Scat

Scat by Carl Hiaasen

The first of Hiaasen's books that I read was Flush. I thought it was hilarious and ingenious. Then I read the famous Hoot. It too was about determined kids saving animals in Florida, and for some reason I just wasn't as impressed.

Well, Scat has the same themes, but I loved it anyway. I guess the fact that he now has three "kids help save Florida animals" books out means that they are variations on a theme, rather than one being a cheap cop-out of the other. Anyway, this is all in my mind of course.

Probably one reason that I liked Scat so much is that there is another mystery attached to the main theme. Allow me to quote the entire text of the back of the hardcover: "How could a teacher disappear on a field trip? What is going on in Black Vine Swamp?"

Intriguing, no? I mean seriously! How could a teacher disappear on a field trip? That'd be so crazy!

And there are all kinds of crazy antics going on. Hiaasen has a knack for quick humor, but he is also great at building suspense and delivering danger. There was some minor swearing -- a few dells and hams, as it were -- but I'd probably recommend this book for fourth grade on up!