Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen, Jane Revell
Scholastic 2011
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- environmental activism
- friendship
- standing up to bullies
- courage
- justice vs. corporate greed
- community
- identity
- doing the right thing
About this book
When Roy moves to Florida, he’s the new kid dealing with bullies, odd classmates, and a mystery involving a barefoot boy who’s trying to protect tiny burrowing owls from a pancake-house construction site. With fast-paced humor and clever twists, the story blends school drama with an eco-adventure. It’s perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction with laughs, suspense, and strong kid heroes. Kids love the underdog spirit, the quirky characters, and the message about standing up for what’s right.
Setting: contemporary South Florida; middle school, suburban neighborhoods, and a construction site with burrowing owls
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoot right for my child?
Yes — Hoot is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include environmental activism, friendship, standing up to bullies.
How long does it take to read Hoot?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hoot takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 69,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hoot have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hoot has an AR quiz available, worth 9 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hoot?
Hoot has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.