87 pages 2 hours read

Hoot

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

Carl Hiaasen

Hoot

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

292

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2002

Publisher

Yearling

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

760L

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Super Short Summary

In Hoot, middle schooler Roy Eberhardt finds himself entangled in a mission to save a colony of burrowing owls in Coconut Cove, Florida, after spotting a mysterious barefoot running boy. Teaming up with the boy, who is revealed to be Beatrice Leep’s stepbrother Mullet Fingers, Roy navigates challenges, including construction site sabotage and corporate corruption, to prevent a pancake restaurant from destroying the owls' habitat.

Humorous

Adventurous

Inspirational

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

113,388 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Carl Hiaasen's Hoot is praised for its humor, environmental themes, and engaging plot, making it a favorite for young readers. Critics appreciate its quirky characters and compelling message about wildlife conservation. However, some consider its pacing uneven and find certain character arcs underdeveloped. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and entertaining read for middle school audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hoot?

Readers who enjoy Hoot by Carl Hiaasen are typically middle-grade enthusiasts who appreciate environmental themes and humorous, adventurous plots. Fans of Holes by Louis Sachar and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo will find a similar blend of quirky characters and meaningful life lessons in this book.

4.2

113,388 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Roy Eberhardt

A recent transfer to a Florida middle school, Roy faces the challenges of new friendships and bullying. He becomes involved in efforts to save burrowing owls at a construction site.

An elusive boy known for catching fish with his hands, Mullet Fingers lives outdoors to avoid his family and becomes committed to protecting owls at a construction site.

Mullet Fingers's stepsister, known for her athleticism and attitude, allies with Roy to help protect her brother and the owls threatened by construction.

A large bully who targets younger students, particularly Roy, and is influenced by his troubled home life.

A police officer seeking to prove himself, who ends up involved in the events at the construction site where vandalism occurs.

Construction site supervisor for the Mother Paula's restaurant project, struggling to manage ongoing vandalism.

A colony of burrowing owls who are endangered by the construction of a new restaurant, becoming the focal point for activists.

A corporate executive pushing for construction progress, indifferent to local concerns and pressures.

A former beauty queen and current actress who is the public face of Mother Paula's and has an unexpected change of heart.

Roy's caring mother who supports her son and maintains a stable home environment despite frequent moves.

Roy's intelligent father, working for the Department of Justice, who plays a critical role in obtaining important information.

The vice principal at Roy's school, who struggles with understanding the bullying situation and its subtleties.

Roy's humorous schoolmate known for his fart simulations, who provides Roy with information and gossip.

Book Details
Pages

292

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Florida • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2002

Publisher

Yearling

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

760L

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