The Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Hiaasen, Carl. Hoot . New York: Alfred A. Knopf :, 2002. Print.

Newberry Honor Book 2003

AGE: Scholastic grade level equivalent 5.8, 760L

SUMMARY:
Roy seems like an ordinary boy trying to settle into a new school. But things go crazy when Roy spots a runaway boy. Carl Hiaasen does an amazing job at creating a story that can spark anyone’s interest. The plot is divided in the beginning but then comes together perfectly. This story deals with issues relating to bullying and issues about how to stick up for something you believe in, like saving the owls.

VOCABULARY:
reproachfully, methodically, hurriedly, teetered, stupendous, phony, gnarly, pungently, churning, mischievous

TEACHING STRATEGIES: (small group instruction)
Before: show them the format, goes back and forth from Roy to site of pancake house

During: Have them pay attention to how Roy handles his bully, Dana. Have them write about there experiences with bullies. Have them predict what they think is going to happen to the owls. Have them also think about what the runaway boy is doing to save the owls, is he doing the right thing?

After: Write about something they believe in and what they would do if someone wanted to end it relate the story to The Hoot.

ONLINE RESOURCES:
http://www.carlhiaasen.com/index.shtml - learn about The Hoot's author Carl Hiaasen
http://www.scholastic.com/hoot/ - interact online with the book, students can learn about the author, write a persuassive letter, and read excerpts from the book
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/lifehistory - have your class learn about the burrowing owl, learn about their habitats and what they eat! (connect this book to science!)