After an incident at school Sam just wants to get away and maybe prove to himself and the world that he is stronger than he looks. That's why he sets out in his new boat to find a missing body even though his dad, a police officer, told him not to go to the swampy area. While Sam does not find a body right away he does find a boy, Davey, living in an abandoned cabin waiting for his brother and father to get him. Slowly Sam and Davey build a friendship but in spite of the thrill of living on their own there are underlying currents of fear and suspicion. Where is Davey's brother and dad? Then, when Davey's brother shows up, Sam figures out that all is certainly not right. Can Sam help out his new friend without placing himself in danger?

There was a lot of action in this book and a bit of a mystery. Sam learns a lot about himself and the nature of friendship. My one complaint was that the climax came too early and then there were several chapters that wrapped up some loose ends - the ending was too long without some conflict.

Sam is fairly new to the Mississippi community where his father has been hired as a police officer. He quickly befriends Grover over the summer, but when school starts finds out that Grover is considered a dweeb by their classmates. After school bullies beat up Sam and Grover badly, Sam feels badly about himself but doesn't want to confide in his supportive parents. He has been given a boat, the Bream Chaser, and is allowed to travel around in the swamps. When he goes up near abandoned fishing camps, he discovers a boy living there. Davey is waiting for his father and step brother, Slade, to arrive to be with him, but after Sam brings him clothing, food and supplies several times, it is clear that they are not coming any time soon. Davey also has a huge amount of money, so Sam is wary. When Slade finally shows up with beer and some friends, Sam is even more worried, especially when Slade threatens him and wants him to deliver marijuana. Things get worse and worse, but eventually Sam, Grover and Davey are able to get things worked out.
Strengths: The challenges that Sam is facing are spot on middle grade concerns. Being the new kid, saving face, wanting to deal with issues by oneself-- brilliant. Combine that with trying to save someone in an even worse situation, and adventure in the swamps, and you've got a great mix of elements. Can't wait to have this one for students.
Weaknesses: The descriptions of the swamps only strengthen my resolve to never, ever, ever live in the south.
What I really think: I need to try Alabama Moon again. Why haven't I bought that one? Fourmile and Terror at Bottle Creek are EXCELLENT.

Sam's pride is smarting after being beaten up by bullies in front of many of his classmates. He wants to prove himself to be brave and win his father's approval. His father has given him a fishing boat and Sam is determined to find a missing man that has disappeared on a waterway in the area. He wants to do something brave. He tells his parents that he is going fishing. While he is actually searching for the missing man in an area further away than his parents expect him to be. He discovers a boy about his age who is living alone in the swamps in a falling down fish camp. Davey says that he is waiting for his father and brother to come. In trying to help Davey, Sam becomes involved in more danger than he ever imagined.

Hideout is a fantastic novel for middle grades. The main character, Sam, is struggling to find himself, which makes him instantly relatable. He isn't the fastest, strongest, or smartest, but he's loyal, and it's when he betrays his own sense of loyalty that he is most lost. Over the course of the book he makes bad decisions - some very bad - and the plot flows from these choices like ripples in the river. I highly recommend this one, and would suggest following it with Key's Terror at Bottle Creek. Both will have wide appeal for very different reasons.

I love this author! Watt Key is so good at writing for reluctant readers, especially boys. His books always have a high appeal to the kids in my library. I thought that Watt Key's last book was my favorite of his, and then I read Hideout. WOW! The way he weaves together the stories of the boys and the adults is genius. I thought I had the story figured out, but I didn't. When an author can write a book, especially one for kids, and still shock me, I'm floored. Not only is this a good book for kids, but this book is one that adults should read. I hope that teachers catch on to Watt Key and start using his books in the classroom. I suspect that his books will end up being classics. Watt Key is a master of his craft!!!

Positives here: Key really connects the reader with the setting. Th ins and outs of southern swamplands, the dangers and the beauty. Between that and the protagonist who reads like a real flawed kid. The plot is a little less excellent. THe direction is obvious, the danger not entirely palpable. I never truly feared fro the safety of the main characters and the ending is a little too happily ever after.