Book Blurb #12: Scat by Carl Hiaasen

          

          In the book Scat by Carl Hiaasen, Mrs. Starch, the meanest teacher in the entire school, takes her classes on a field trip to Black Vine Swamp.  In a twisted turn of events, Mrs. Starch does not return to school and her students think that she is missing.  Their principal begs to differ and reassures her students that she did not get caught in the controlled burn that was happening the day of the field trip, rather that she had to leave on a family emergency.  Two of the main characters, Nick and Marta, do not buy that story and are determined to find their teacher.  While trying to solve this mystery, Nick and Marta find themselves involved in a twisted plot to save some Florida panther kittens.  Initially, Nick and Marta think that the class trouble maker, Smoke, is up to no good and has something to do with the disappearance of Mrs. Starch, but the villain in this story, ends up turning into somewhat of a hero.

          Though I did not enjoy this book as much as Hoot, I did enjoy the element of mystery and suspense added to this plot.  Scat was an interesting and unique story, one that my students also love.  Hiaasen always does a great job advocating for Florida wildlife and any conspiracy attached to it.  It is definitely a book worth reading, as is any book by Carl Hiaasen.

          After reading both Hoot and Scat, students could compare and contrast the texts with Hiaasen’s other two children literature pieces. 

          Additionally, students could do a side project to study the Florida panther. 

          At my school, we participate in the Wings of Hope program at FGCU.  Through this program we participate in the “Panther Posse” where students learn all about the Florida panther, the habitat, and how to conserve resources in an effort to save panthers.  I think this would be the perfect book to read before/after going on this field trip.

          Most of Hiaasen’s books are set in Florida.  This is perfect for 4^th grade social studies standards, as we are required to teach all about Florida.  Sometimes the textbook is a bit dry, so adding a fictional story that discusses some of the same information is a great way to spice things up. 

          Students can study geography and the Everglades.  While reading Scat, student can try to identify different locations and key features of Florida and the Everglades within the text.

          Also, being that Hiaasen is a Florida author, it is a possibility that he could come to a local school to give a presentation on his books.  I think that students would be very motivated to read his books after meeting the author.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie