Pat K. reviewed on 3/30/2010 + 20 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

A contemporary children's novel with elements of mystery, adventure, and personal development: the characters are distinctive, concerned, and limited (not superheroes) like all of us; the premise of an endangered burrowing owl is timely; the fictional corporation is profit driven (duh); and the resolution is satisfying. For parts of this a certain amount of "suspended disbelief" is needed, but it's a novel. If your political perspective is very conservative the corporation-as-villain will probably annoy you, but if you can take it as ONE business not a representative of all businesses the book works. It could serve for classroom use to raise discussions on different viewpoints on endangered species and on several topics related to personal development.

This is a good read with plenty of action. At the same time, Carl Hiaasen is very effective in his children's novels in featuring environmental and economic issues without being didactic. You can read his books for the plot and the characters, but many children will appreciate the opportunity to begin thinking about some contemporary issues involved in their settings or their actions. (If you haven't read any of his books, I'd suggest you start with Flush.)

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