3 stars
An interesting fictionalized story surrounding the shark attacks of 1916. I liked this original novel slightly more than the graphic novel adaptation (though I do like that there is more information in the backmatter of the graphic novel).
This is the first book I’ve read in the series. They are very popular at the library where I work and seem to do a good job of teaching about historical events in an engaging way, allowing young readers to put themselves into the story. I enjoyed the additional details from the time period that were worked in as well (children having jobs, attire, phrases, etc.).
I appreciate Tarshis’ vagueness about the shark itself in the novel as it’s still debated whether a great white was behind the Matawan attacks or a bull shark. This story was more successful than its graphic novel adaptation for me because of that. The graphic novel depicts a massive great white though the suspected shark was young and only about half the size of an adult great white. The graphic novel’s artwork relies heavily on misinformation about sharks being villains and presents them as scary monsters.
Despite the sensationalized cover of this book (that shark is huge!), the plot itself presents the scientific significance of the events rather than just trying to shock or scare the reader. You experience Chet’s understandable fear and there is an eerieness to the encounters, but it fits with the mindset of the time period and isn’t over the top. Much prefer this representation.
Good story overall and an interesting look into the historical shark encounters that changed scientific and public views of sharks.