Carl Hiaasen's great children's novel is a must read book for middle school students. Its all about the ups and downs of moving to a new place and puts it into perspective for young readers.
Hoot is about a kid named Roy who moves to from Montana to Florida and hates it. One day he looks out the window of the bus on the way to his new school and sees something strange, a boy running along the sidewalk. The boy had no shoes and very worn clothes. Roy is curious about the running boy and investigates. When Beatrice, a girl at his school (also known as Beatrice the Bear.) discovers his interest she attempts to stop him. Roy had no idea what he has found.
This book made me think about when I had to move. I was younger, about 3, but when our house burned down in Alger we decided to move to the city so school would be closer. If I hadn't moved I wouldn't have the same friends I do now. I sure I would have other friends there but it wouldn't be the same life I live now.