Negative Positive
Title: Hoot!
Review: Hoot is typical Hiaasen faire of twisted humor, mystery, and not-so-hidden messages. The Florida adventure starts when on his way to school, Roy Eberhardt sees a shoeless boy running down the street. Curious why the boy is not going to school, Roy decides to find out who he is. The new kid Roy and the shoeless truant joins together on a secret mission-saving a family of endangered burrowing owls from being destroyed by the construction of a pancake restaurant on the lot where their home is located. Transplanted Montanian Roy is thrust into a world of capitalistic adults, limelight-loving politicians, school bullies,child abuse, and civil disobedience. Filled with humor, it also touches on the realities of child abuse and destruction of wildlife habitats. The manipulation of the bully was masterful, but you can't help feeling sorry for him in the end. Watch out for those alligators in the porta-potties! Recommended for ages 10 to 15 years old.
Is the review positive or negative? 