Contemporary Realistic Fiction- Hoot

Target age: 10-18

Readability: 5-12

"Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen is a Newbery Honor award-winning realistic fiction book for young adults. The main character of "Hoot" is Roy Eberhardt, a middle school student who has just moved to Florida from Montana. Being a new kid on the block, Roy becomes a victim of a school bully named Dana Matherson. While riding on the school bus, Roy spots a kid running barefoot and carrying no books. Later on, Roy makes friends with the homeless boy nicknamed Mullet Fingers, who is on an ecological mission to protect rare and endangered burrowing owls at the future construction site of Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House. With the aid of Mullet Fingers' stepsister Beatrice, Roy outwits the bully, helps the boy save the owls and warms up to life in Florida.  While sending a message about environmental protection, "Hoot" is an interesting and entertaining story to read. 

Earthsong- The rhythm of a traditional song carrying out an important reminder for new generations!

Warm illustrations and the rhythm of a traditional song carry an important reminder for new generations "In the North Atlantic Ocean 'neath the Arctic sun, Lived a mom and papa right whale and their whale calf one. Blow! said the mom. I blow! said the one. And they blew and they spouted 'neath the Arctic sun." Read it. Sing it. Enjoy it. Learn from it. 

Author: Sally Rogers

Illustrator: Melissa Bay Mathis

Target age: 3 and up

Biography: Steve and Me: Life with the Crocodile Hunter

By: Terri Irwin

This story is about Steve's journey in life and what he did for many species.  Steve's vast efforts at conservation continue to make a difference all over the globe. His wife Terri's commitment to carrying on his legacy is not only admirable, but inspirational to so many others who can benefit from her strength and conviction.