Scat – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Scat

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2009

89%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

A biology teacher vanishes in a Florida swamp, leaving two kids to deal with oil prospectors, a mysterious arsonist, and a lot of panther poop.

Scat

book

2009

89%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

A biology teacher vanishes in a Florida swamp, leaving two kids to deal with oil prospectors, a mysterious arsonist, and a lot of panther poop.

4.5

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Screenwise Verdict

Scat is a total win for the middle-grade crowd. It’s got that classic Florida weirdness that Carl Hiaasen is famous for—shady businessmen, eccentric teachers, and kids who are actually smarter than the adults.

It’s not 'educational' in that boring, textbook way, but your kid will definitely come away knowing more about the Everglades and why we shouldn't drill for oil in protected swamps. It’s fast-paced enough to keep a 'reluctant reader' engaged, which is basically the gold standard for fiction at this age. It hasn't aged a day since 2009 because the fight for the planet is still the biggest story going.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 9-13 range. It’s sophisticated enough for middle schoolers but accessible enough for a sharp 4th grader who likes a good swamp adventure.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models strong friendships and a sense of justice. While the 'reviled' teacher trope is present, the core message is about protecting the vulnerable—both animals and people.

Imaginative

Hiaasen creates a vivid, quirky version of the Florida Everglades. The mystery is layered with eccentric characters like 'Smoke' and a biology teacher who isn't what she seems.

Safe

It's a middle-grade novel. Very safe, though there is some minor peril (wildfires, swamp dangers) and very mild language that fits the 'gritty' Florida setting.

Enriching

High marks for environmental literacy. It teaches conservation, biology, and the ethics of land use without feeling like a lecture.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Hiaasen is the king of the 'eco-mystery' and actually makes environmentalism funny.
It respects the reader's intelligence with a plot that isn't oversimplified.
The characters are genuinely weird and memorable, not cookie-cutter stereotypes.
Great for kids who think they 'hate reading' but like fast-paced mysteries.

⚠

What to Watch For

Mild language (words like 'hell' or 'damn' pop up occasionally).
The 'mean teacher' at the start might be a bit much for sensitive kids, though she gets a redemption arc.
Some descriptions of animal tracking (scat) might be 'gross' to the squeamish, but it's science!

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think people are willing to destroy nature just to find oil?"
"Mrs. Starch is a tough teacher—do you think her methods actually help students learn?"
"If you found a panther in your backyard, would you tell anyone or keep it a secret?"
"Nick’s dad is away in the Iraq war—how does that change how Nick handles the mystery at home?"

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