My teacher read aloud this in the first trimester of 4th grade. It brung some memories back for me. :) This book is pretty funny, and that made it very enjoyable to read. Right now, I am reading Scat, and the humor translates from Hoot to Scat, so that's a plus.

Personally, I couldn't connect with the characters that much. I felt a surface level connection, and I really do prefer books where it makes me feel like I am making choices like/with/inside the main character(s). This book didn't feel as ammersive for me. If I hadn't enjoyed Hiaasen's comedy, I most likely would have rated this book a 3.5 or 3.75. Although, I really do like the message it is presenting of preserving endangered species. Kids really do need to learn about that one way or another, and this is a fun way to. 👍