Plot: The story centers around Roy Eberhardt a Middle School student who is new to the town of Coconut Grove, Florida. Roy enters into some unlikely friendships with “Mullet Fingers” a homeless boy and Mullet’s sister, Beatrice. Central to the story is a patch of ground slated to be bulldozed to make way for the 469th location of a Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House restaurant. At first, the vandalism at the site seems random, but it is discovered that there is a community of burrowing owls on the site whose habitat will be destroyed by the construction and it is the presence and desired protection of these owls that are the focus of the vandalism. Roy discovers this fact through “Mullet Fingers” and is drawn into the cause of saving the owls. Through Roy’s persistence, he discovers the owls are a protected species, that the company knows the owls are there but deny it, that the environmental impact report has been hidden and that city officials have been bribed! The story builds to a great scene at the groundbreaking ceremony which yields surprises that will delight the reader.
Review/Personal thoughts: Hoot is a great read! Many themes are visited and cleverly revealed in the book. Bullying, friendships, parent child relations and middle school life are all part of the story. Also included are corruption, anti-development and the beauty of nature as themes. There are many eccentric characters and many normal characters, all of which are made completely believable. I enjoyed the ineptitude revealed in the well-meaning adults like the police officer and site supervisor. There is an element of humor that runs throughout the book that had me smiling as I read. There are serious and heartfelt scenes in the book as well which offer a great balance and variety to the book. I’m sure my empathy for the fate of the burrowing owls affected my enjoyment of the book and I recommend this title without hesitation.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 5.1 Interest level: Ages 10 to 13
Awards:
Newbery Medal/Honor 2003
ALA Notable Children's Book 2003
ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2003
Arizona Young Readers Award 2005
Minnesota Maud Heart Lovelace Award 2005
Connecticut Nutmeg Children's Book Award 2006
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