K10: Scat by Carl Hiaasen

The Kidliterati Ten is an interview series with young readers. We ask them about a favorite book and hope that you enjoy their answers.

Tell us a little about yourself: what is your first name, how old are you, and what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

My first name is Charlotte, and I just turned 11 years old. My favorite ice cream flavor is cookie dough.

What book did you read and why did you choose it?
I read Scat, because my friends read it and told me it was good.

Can you describe this book in one word?

Mysterious.

What was your favorite part of this story?

My favorite part was the beginning of the story when Mrs. Bunny Starch, the teacher, got lost.  That is when the mystery began.

If you had a problem similar to the main character's problem, what would you do?

If I had a mean teacher like Mrs. Bunny Starch, I would try not to make her mad and I would tell my mom and dad about it.

What would you say to your best friend to convince them to read this book?

I would tell her that it has a lot of mystery in it and that it makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens to Mrs. Bunny Starch.

What do you think about the book's cover?

I liked it, because I liked the cat.

Would you want to read another book about these characters? Why or why not?

Yes, because I would want to see what happens after they find the teacher.  They tell you a little bit about what happens, but I want to know more.

Can you name another book that reminds you of this one?
“Hoot” reminds me of “Scat”, because they both have bullies in them who turn good.

If you could ask the author one question about this book, what would it be?

What happened to Nick after the story ended?

It looks as if the answer to that question will remain a mystery! Meanwhile, readers can also check out Mr. Hiaasen's other books: Hoot, Flush, and the latest, Chomp.

Thanks for joining us, Charlotte!

Scat
Mrs. Starch – fearsome biology teacher – never returned from a field trip to Black Vine Swamp.
The principal says she was called away on a "family emergency," but Nick and Marta don't buy it. They think Smoke, the class delinquent, has something to do with her disappearance.

And he does! But not in the way that they think.

There's a lot more going on in Black Vine Swamp than any one player in this twisted tale can see. And Nick and Marta will have to reckon with an eccentric eco-avenger, a stuffed rat named Chelsea, a wannabe Texas oilman, a singing substitute teacher, and a ticked-off Florida panther before they'll really begin to see the big picture.

That's life in the swamp, kids.


--Gail