What readers think of Hoot, plus links to write your own review.

DRY but ok

In a concise way, this book follows the unfocused adventures of Mountain Boy (Roy), Beatrice Leap, and Mullet Fingers (who cares a little too much about owls) The book is quite entertaining, with the adventures that happen with the kids as they try to hide Mullet Fingers from the authorities. The book runs into its problems, and major ones, when it turns to the issue of the owls and Tries to Tell Us Something. We are then tried to unrealistic situations, including the climatic scene where the teenagers of Mountain Boy's school team up to fight the cliched, corrupt Mother Paula's. Mysteries: 1. Why would average, everyday teenagers team up to fight Mother Paula's? What average, everyday teenager cares about nature? 2. Why is every "corrupt, evil business plot" occupied with the Missing File plot device? This book is full of contrivances and unrealistic tidbits that it is quite a hoot indeed. Not worth the time.

Within the first 20 pages of the book I already knew how it would end. And yet halfway through the book the climax still won’t start. It’s so obvious and slow.

Very neat article post. Much thanks again. Much obliged.

I am extremely irritated that an elementary school would send home the novel Hoot for my 10 year old son to read considering the nasty language, the ultimately negative nature of the characters in this book, the reference to hurting others, and various other negative aspects that influence a 10 year old child. I cannot believe that while a school expects a child not to use profanity in school they would require my son to read and write a report on such trash as this. I intend to contact the school and will not allow my son to read any further. Perhaps some of you parents don't mind or care what your kids put into their minds but I do. I won't encourage my son to read this material and hope you all take a closer look at what these teachers are sending home for your kids to learn. Sick world we live in ... pay attention to what your kids are being required to induce into their minds.
This book doesn't earn a rating where I'm concern... with regard to kids. As an adult I see absolutely no purpose in the material this novel presents. As for me and my son... my child will take the bad grade for not accommodating the teacher's request and will take an "A" for bringing the content of this book to my attention - when your child approaches you with... "Mom I don't think that I'm suppose to read this book it has very bad words in it." It's time to rethink the school system and the idiots that are sending this home.

i hate this book its so boring

All parents should beware - this book is highly offensive. You have to believe that vandalism, lying, stealing, corrupt politicians, greedy corporations with stupid employees, idiotic police, destruction of private property, inept school officials, well-intentioned adults, violent family situations, and truancy are all necessary in a "tug to the ol' heart-strings/children know best" attempt to save owls. Eco-terrorists (called eco-avengers by the publisher) must be smiling at the propaganda foisted upon unsuspecting middle schoolers. Teachers should be taken to task for assigning this book. Its portrayal of "the end justifies the means" is NOT the message I want to give to my children.