Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen's first children's novel is (excuse the expression) a hoot!  The author brings readers to the backwards town of Coconut Cove, Florida, where a story of mystery, hilarity, morality and calamity (and maybe a few baby burrowing owls) waits to be devoured within the pages.  The novel, as all of Hiaasen's books, has an environmental theme and also explores issues facing young people today, including, "being the new kid,"  bullying and homelessness.  A fun and intriguing book.