Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Media Kit
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    Review: Scat by Carl Hiaasen

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze2 Mins Read Ages 9-12 Animal Books Books with Boy Characters Brain Twisters Chapter Books Current Affairs Mysteries Reluctant Readers Teens: Young Adults
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Scat

    by Carl Hiaasen

    Reading level: Ages 10 and up

    Hardcover: 384 pages

    Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 27, 2009)

    Six pages in and I was hooked on this contemporary new novel by the highly acclaimed author Carl Hiaasen. This book is full of snappy one-liners and fun references to Hiaasen’s hometown, Florida. Scat deals with so many ‘real’ aspects of today’s young teens — Nick, one of the leading characters, is dealing with his father being in the Army Reserve. The book also deals with age-old teen elements, such as: friends, fitting in, a hint of young love, and most importantly (for this story) … awful school teachers.

    Mrs. Starch is a ghastly teacher. All of the kids loathe her. When she doesn’t return from a field trip to the Black Vine Swamp, questions arise. Is she really dealing with a “family emergency” like the authorities are saying? Is she missing? Does the class bully and outcast have something to do with her leave of absence/disappearance? Nick and Marta become determined to uncover the truth. This alone makes a great plot for a story, but I’ve only told you about half of the story. The other half — or the real message, if I may — involves political matters: endangered species (the Florida panther plays a large part in the story), animal cruelty, the human-race, and even a gentle reminder to just say no! to drugs and alcohol.

    With lines like ” … bull ants chewed up my butt cheeks pretty fierce … “, Hiassen has managed to use faultless juvenile humor to deliver another great story, applying sensitivity in all of the right places. Thumbs-up!

    Links:
    Hiaasen’s column at the Miami Herald.
    Review by The Happy Nappy Bookseller.
    Review by Help Readers Love Reading!
    Review by Books for Kids Blog.

    Note: At the time of this post, Scat is number two on the NY Times best selling chapter book list.

    Add this book to your collection: Scat

    Enjoy this video where Carl Hiaasen talks about Scat …

    How You Support The Children's Book Review
    We may receive a small commission from purchases made via the links on this page. If you discover a book or product of interest on this page and use the links provided to make a purchase, you will help support our mission to 'Grow Readers.' Your support means we can keep delivering quality content that's available to all. Thank you!
    Bianca Schulze Carl Hiassen
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleTCBR: Children’s Books Best Sellers of 2008
    Next Article 14 Valentine’s Day Books
    Bianca Schulze
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn

    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    7 Comments

    1. NAOMI on February 25, 2011 7:37 am

      DIS BOOK WAS LIKE…STUPID..IN EVERYWAY POSSIBLE..IM SRRY BUT I JUST COULD NOT STAND MARTA IN THIS BOOK..YOU KNO SHE WOULDNTA FIRED THT GUN..It really sucks…im srry carl i just can’t do it no more

      Reply
      • damaris on February 25, 2011 7:43 am

        totally on ur side girl!!!

        Reply
    2. Diana on January 23, 2012 10:25 pm

      this book is boring 4 some reason it shuld have more action!no offence.:D

      Reply
    3. ashley on July 27, 2012 10:04 am

      best book ever

      Reply
      • Abby on April 25, 2013 10:08 am

        I agree, this book is amazing. Well organized and just awesome Carl. Write more. I would like to read the other books of yours.

        Reply
      • Riley on March 24, 2019 6:33 pm

        I agree

        Reply
    4. shelby on January 14, 2014 9:38 pm

      People need to stop being so mean, I mean, havent you ever heard the saying, “if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all” !? This is my favorite book, and Carl Hiaasen is an AMAZING author. This book is funny, and well orginized. So,if Carl Hiaasen is reading this, I want to say good job, and keep on writing.

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • The Only Me, by Marissa Bader | Dedicated Review
    • A Brief History of Life on Earth | Book Review
    • Desiree Blanchard Discusses My Home Filled with Love
    • New Children’s Book Teaches Children How To Love and Be Loved
    • August or Forever, by Ona Gritz | Awareness Tour
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Book Shop
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Buzzworthy Mentions on the Path to Growing Readers!
    • About TCBR
    © 2023 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.