Characters
Who is the main character who moves to Florida?
Roy Eberhardt
What animal is Roy trying to protect?
Burrowing owls
In which state does the story take place?
Florida
What does “burrowing” mean in the context of the owls?
Digging and living in tunnels underground
What is the main environmental issue in the story?
Protecting endangered species and their habitats
Who is the mysterious running boy?
Mullet Fingers (Napoleon Bridger)
Why is the construction site being sabotaged?
To protect the owls’ homes from being destroyed
What is the name of the town Roy moves to?
Coconut Cove
Define “sabotage.”
Deliberately destroying or damaging something to prevent it from working
Name one way Roy shows courage.
Standing up to bullies, speaking at the ceremony, or helping the owls
What is Beatrice’s relationship to Mullet Fingers?
She is his stepsister (or half-sister; Beatrice Leep is his stepsister.)
How does Roy first meet Beatrice?
She confronts Roy after he tries to follow Mullet Fingers
What business is being built on the empty lot?
Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House
What is a “mulleted” fish?
A fish with a distinctive shape called a mullet; Mullet Fingers is named after catching them
What is the importance of friendship in the book?
Friends support each other and work together for a cause
Who is the antagonist, the vice president of Mother Paula’s?
Chuck Muckle
What does Roy do to help save the owls?
He spreads the word and speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony
What type of habitat do the burrowing owls live in?
Underground burrows in a vacant lot
What does “reluctant” mean?
Unwilling or hesitant
How does the book show the importance of standing up for what’s right?
Characters risk getting in trouble to protect the owls and expose the truth
What is the name of Roy’s class bully?
Dana Matherson
How is the truth about the owls finally revealed?
Roy exposes the owls’ burrows at the ceremony, and the media gets involved
Name one unique feature of the Florida environment in the book.
Swamps, alligators, or warm climate (any of these is correct)
What does “vandalize” mean?
To deliberately damage or destroy property
What message does the author send about adults and authority?
Adults don’t always do the right thing; kids can make a difference