"Hoot" is a novel by Carl Hiaasen that follows the adventures of a young boy named Roy Eberhardt. Roy recently moved to Florida and struggles to adapt to his new environment, especially while dealing with a school bully. His life takes a turn when he becomes intrigued by a mysterious boy he spots running barefoot. This encounter leads Roy into a series of events revolving around a local menace that threatens a group of endangered owls and their habitat.
The story unfolds as Roy learns about the significance of protecting wildlife. He teams up with his quirky new friends, Beatrice and her brother, who are also concerned about the owls. Together, they devise a plan to save the owls from a proposed construction site aimed at building a pancake house, highlighting themes of friendship, activism, and environmental awareness throughout their adventure.