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ckeithjohnson's review against another edition
4.0
A clean little story about a few kids with a passion for environmental stewardship.
megpancoast's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
timinbc's review against another edition
3.0
Well, that was interesting. This is essentially just another Hiaasen Florida plot in which greedy people get taken down, with alligators involved and pickup trucks at night. But this time the setup is for a younger audience. Hiaasen lets his imagination run as usual in defining the characters. As you might expect, the central character starts out watching things happen to him, but gradually opens up as he meets more and more eccentric characters. As always, the bad guys get got good in the end.
Just the book for a long layover at the airport, or a rainy day at the cottage.
Just the book for a long layover at the airport, or a rainy day at the cottage.
allicatca's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audio CD narrated by Chad Lowe. I wonder if I would have preferred to read the book myself.
I enjoyed the book, especially the main character, Roy, who is a stand-up kid. He is curious and empathetic, honest (most of the time) and hard-working.
The book is generally well-written and there are enough interesting surprises to keep the plot going. I liked the book but didn't love it. I don't think it will be one that I'll remember.
I enjoyed the book, especially the main character, Roy, who is a stand-up kid. He is curious and empathetic, honest (most of the time) and hard-working.
The book is generally well-written and there are enough interesting surprises to keep the plot going. I liked the book but didn't love it. I don't think it will be one that I'll remember.
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
4.0
Best comment I can make about this buddy read (with my daughter) was that she applauded at the end and laughed at the characters throughout.
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This was fun and the kids and I all enjoyed it!
battspierre's review against another edition
2.0
Well, it was okay. I know it is a YA book, but I really missed the usual Hiaasen antics.
suvata's review against another edition
4.0
• Middle school kids saving burrowing owls in southern Florida
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audio book read by Chad Lowe
3.5***
Hiaasen turns his imaginative talent to writing children’s literature.
Roy Eberhardt has moved with his family from Montana to Florida. His dad’s job makes the family move frequently, so he’s used to the new-kid routine; school bullies are pretty much the same wherever you are. In fact, he owes a debt of gratitude to Dana Matherson, because if Dana hadn’t attacked Roy on the school bus, Roy never would have seen the running boy. And that’s the first interesting thing he’s seen – so far.
As usual Hiaasen peoples his novels with an array of interesting characters – eco-terrorists, sleazy corporate spokesmen, inept police, harried school teachers, wannabe starlet, and oily politicians. Those familiar with Hiaasen’s adult novels, will recognized a young Skink in Mullet Fingers. Of course, he includes a message of protecting the environment and native species, and developers are the bad guys. But he’s toned it down for the younger audience without talking down to them. I gave this to my nephew last Christmas, and he thought it was … well … a hoot.
Lowe does a great job of the audio book. I especially love his voices for the more eccentric characters.
3.5***
Hiaasen turns his imaginative talent to writing children’s literature.
Roy Eberhardt has moved with his family from Montana to Florida. His dad’s job makes the family move frequently, so he’s used to the new-kid routine; school bullies are pretty much the same wherever you are. In fact, he owes a debt of gratitude to Dana Matherson, because if Dana hadn’t attacked Roy on the school bus, Roy never would have seen the running boy. And that’s the first interesting thing he’s seen – so far.
As usual Hiaasen peoples his novels with an array of interesting characters – eco-terrorists, sleazy corporate spokesmen, inept police, harried school teachers, wannabe starlet, and oily politicians. Those familiar with Hiaasen’s adult novels, will recognized a young Skink in Mullet Fingers. Of course, he includes a message of protecting the environment and native species, and developers are the bad guys. But he’s toned it down for the younger audience without talking down to them. I gave this to my nephew last Christmas, and he thought it was … well … a hoot.
Lowe does a great job of the audio book. I especially love his voices for the more eccentric characters.
heidi_mcj's review against another edition
5.0
A fun book. My 1st - 3rd grade class really enjoyed listening to it.