673 reviews for:

Hoot

Carl Hiaasen

3.69 AVERAGE


This is the fourth middle grades Hiaasen book I've read, and I find them all completely wonderful. The thing I most appreciate about them is that they emphasize the importance of protecting the environment in a very entertaining way. Also, I just love the names Hiaasen comes up with for his characters. There is always at least one memorably weird character name in each book, and I've come to look forward to that.

A clean little story about a few kids with a passion for environmental stewardship.
adventurous hopeful informative medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I listened to the audio CD narrated by Chad Lowe. I wonder if I would have preferred to read the book myself.

I enjoyed the book, especially the main character, Roy, who is a stand-up kid. He is curious and empathetic, honest (most of the time) and hard-working.

The book is generally well-written and there are enough interesting surprises to keep the plot going. I liked the book but didn't love it. I don't think it will be one that I'll remember.

Best comment I can make about this buddy read (with my daughter) was that she applauded at the end and laughed at the characters throughout.
inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Loveable characters: Yes

This was fun and the kids and I all enjoyed it!

Well, it was okay. I know it is a YA book, but I really missed the usual Hiaasen antics.

Audio book read by Chad Lowe
3.5***

Hiaasen turns his imaginative talent to writing children’s literature.

Roy Eberhardt has moved with his family from Montana to Florida. His dad’s job makes the family move frequently, so he’s used to the new-kid routine; school bullies are pretty much the same wherever you are. In fact, he owes a debt of gratitude to Dana Matherson, because if Dana hadn’t attacked Roy on the school bus, Roy never would have seen the running boy. And that’s the first interesting thing he’s seen – so far.

As usual Hiaasen peoples his novels with an array of interesting characters – eco-terrorists, sleazy corporate spokesmen, inept police, harried school teachers, wannabe starlet, and oily politicians. Those familiar with Hiaasen’s adult novels, will recognized a young Skink in Mullet Fingers. Of course, he includes a message of protecting the environment and native species, and developers are the bad guys. But he’s toned it down for the younger audience without talking down to them. I gave this to my nephew last Christmas, and he thought it was … well … a hoot.

Lowe does a great job of the audio book. I especially love his voices for the more eccentric characters.

A fun book. My 1st - 3rd grade class really enjoyed listening to it.

Reread. I remember being encouraged to read this for fun when it first came out. I really enjoyed it upon this reread. Kinda empowering.