Scat is the “solid waste, or droppings, of carnivorous animals.”* It is also a book by Carl Hiaasen rated for ages 9-12. When my son was much younger we used to go on a lot of backpacking trips. I think we have slept in a tent in over twenty states. We always use to carry guides to plants, animals, birds, trees, and you guessed it scat. I used to joke with him that when he grew up he was going to become a “scatologist.” That’s why when I saw Carl Hiaasen’s latest book Scat I had to buy it.
I’m glad I did. I had enjoyed his book Hoot and Scatis just as good if not better. Like Hoot it has a story built around an environmental issue. In this case an endangered animal. Hiaasen also brings the Iraq War into the book. Nick is the main character in the book. His father is in Iraq and days go by that Nick doesn’t hear from his dad and is worried that something must be wrong.
The book has some great humor in it including an incident with a Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil. Those of you who had read Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Curtis will remember the Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil from that story. This one is just as good. I think middle school students will like this book. It moves fast, contains mystery, and has some humorous moments. In fact I bet teachers would like it also.
*www.kentuckyawake.org/glossary/