Scat by Carl Hiaasen is a young adult thriller that follows Nick and Marta, students at Truman School in Florida, who investigate the disappearance of their biology teacher, Mrs. Starch, and uncover a clash between an oil company and environmentalists trying to protect endangered Florida panthers. Exploration of grief and injury, and depiction of arson are included.

Reviews for Scat by Carl Hiaasen highlight its engaging environmental message and witty humor, praised for captivating young readers with its colorful characters and suspenseful plot. However, some critiques mention the predictability of the story and a few underdeveloped subplots. Overall, it’s appreciated for blending humor with a strong ecological theme.

Readers who enjoy Scat by Carl Hiaasen typically appreciate environmental themes, humor, and adventure. Fans of Louis Sachar's Holes and Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie will find similar enjoyment in Hiaasen's quirky characters and engaging plot, set against the backdrop of wildlife conservation.

Humorous / Adventurous / Mysterious / Playful

- Scat is set in Florida, a state familiar to Carl Hiaasen, who often uses it as the backdrop for his environmental-themed novels.
- Carl Hiaasen, known for his environmental activism, weaves themes of wildlife conservation and ecological awareness into his children's and adult novels alike.
- Scat was praised for its engaging mix of humor and suspense, reflecting Hiaasen's signature style found in his other works.

**Nick Waters**  
A student at the Truman School in Naples, Florida, who loves baseball and fishing. He is compassionate and dreams of seeing an endangered Florida panther in the wild.

**Mrs. Bunny Starch**  
A biology teacher at the Truman School known for her demanding and authoritative nature. Her disappearance during a school field trip becomes the novel's central mystery.

**Duane “Smoke” Scrod Jr.**  
An outsider in Nick's class with a reputation for being a troublemaker. He comes from a wealthy but unstable family background and has a strong understanding of local wetlands.

**Twilly Spree**  
An enigmatic and wealthy environmentalist dedicated to protecting the Everglades. He appears in a dramatic fashion to assist in the story's events.

**Marta Gonzalez**  
Nick’s outspoken and supportive classmate and best friend. She stands by Nick during their investigation into the mystery surrounding Mrs. Starch.

**Drake McBride**  
The arrogant and unscrupulous president of Red Diamond Energy Corporation, who schemes to drill for oil in a protected area of the Everglades.

**Jimmy Lee Bayliss**  
The conflicted assistant to Drake McBride who manages day-to-day operations at Red Diamond and faces moral dilemmas throughout the story.

Carl Hiaasen

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Scat Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Scat Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

Scat Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Scat Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

Scat Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-17

Scat Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-20

Scat Chapters 18-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-23

Scat Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 24-Epilogue

Scat Chapter 24-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Scat Character Analysis

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Themes

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Scat Symbols & Motifs

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Introduction

Scat Teacher Introduction

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Scat Reading Context

During Reading

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