“Scat” by Carl Hiaasen
Friday, January 29th, 2010 | Children, Ages 9-12, One Minute Booktalks
Scat by Carl Hiaasen. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009.
Ages 9-12
Ecological Mystery.
Booktalk: Mrs. Starch was known as the school’s meanest (and best) teacher. One day she mysteriously disappears on a field trip. Everyone knows that her student, Duane “Smoke” Scrod was responsible. He bit (and swallowed!) a pencil that Mrs. Starch was holding just the day before. But is Duane responsible for the mysterious disappearance? Nick and Marta believe Duane is innocent. But can they prove it?
Note for adult sponsor: The author provides humor within a well-developed mystery that involves ecology, particularly the extinction of the Florida panther. The characters are also well developed, especially Nick whose father lost an arm during the Iraq war. The title Scat refers to panther dung and to telling the hopeful oil drillers to “Scat!” Useful for all types of book clubs and will provide discussion about many issues, including ecology, extinction, post-traumatic stress and no-nonsense teachers who are unlikable but skillful.
No comments yet.