Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Award-winning tale has environmentalism; mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 81 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a fun and engaging read that delivers impactful messages about environmental protection and standing up against bullying, making it ideal for young readers and their families. However, some mention concerns about inappropriate language and themes, suggesting it may not be suitable for very young children despite its positive moral lessons.
- environmental themes
- engaging characters
- concerns about language
- suitable for older kids
- entertaining and educational
- positive moral lessons
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOOT, Roy is the new kid in school, and he's already being picked on by a classmate named Dana. One day, while suffering a long school bus journey, Roy notices a mysterious barefoot boy running through the streets. Determined to find out what the other boy is up to, Roy is pulled into a mission, teaming up with some unlikely friends to stop a pancake franchise from building a restaurant on the habitat of endangered owls. But can the kids make a difference when they're faced with adults who don't seem to be playing by the rules?
Is It Any Good?
Carl Hiaasen's first novel for children has many likable characters, particularly Roy. His parents also stand out as caring, intelligent, and ultimately supportive, though Hoot does feature a lot of adults portrayed as inept, corrupt, and even abusive. But the book has all the ingredients to make an entertaining read for kids -- lots of ridiculous adults to roll your eyes at, cute animals, a kid hero, a tough girl with a heart of gold, a mean classmate to rally against, fart jokes, and an evil corporation -- even if there are some gender and Native stereotypes in the mix.
If you can overlook that, Hoot still has empowering, uplifting messages about standing up for what you believe in and protecting the environment. It also acknowledges that not every issue is black and white, and sometimes you need to think with maturity and empathy to save the day.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the issues raised in Hoot concerning the conflict between environmental and economic concerns. How should we balance our human needs with those of the natural world?
The book deals with some heavy themes, including violence and neglect in the home. Talk about how the book handles these topics. What might you do if you experienced either of these, or how might you help others in similar situations?
There's a movie adaptation of Hoot. If you've seen it, how would you compare and contrast the two?
How does the main character, Roy, demonstrate empathy and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Book Characters , Friendship , School ( Middle School ) , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : May 1, 2006
- Number of pages : 292
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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