Flush Ends

I really like Flush. I am planning on reading Hoot over the weekend and picking one of the 2 to use in class when we learn about environmental issues and write persuasive essays. I think it will be a good fit. The book brings up a ton of good questions for discussion. I struggled last year when teaching my students how to write persuasive essays about what they could do to make a difference in protecting resources and the environment. Although Flush gives a perhaps larger-than-life example, I want my students to feel empowered to do something. I could pair the novel with real life examples of kids in action as part of our brainstorming/ pre-writing activities.
The environmental issues presented in the book would be the focus for its use in my classroom, but I would also enjoy discussion of the characters in the book. I thought the Hiaasen did a great job in character development. I always enjoy a book much more when I can relate, feel compassion, or be amusemed by the characters. I thought all the protagonists were endearing... my students will surely get a kick out of Lice. Although... hopefully not the idea that they can call their peers derogatory names. So many areas for discussion!