Elem. – The Shark Book

Jenkins, Steve, & Robin Page. The Shark Book. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021. 33 p. 978-1-328-56949-3. $17.99. Grades K-2.

The Shark Book features information about various types of sharks, some living and some extinct, all throughout the world. The book goes into detail about the different parts of a shark, how sharks are born, what sharks eat, and much more! At the end of the book, there is a table that goes over more information about each individual shark, including their conservation status. The book also includes a bibliography as well. The illustrations are wonderfully done and add so much to the book as the reader goes through. There is enough information to entice a reader who wants to learn more about sharks, as well as enough unique information for someone who knows a lot about sharks.

THOUGHTS: This is a wonderful nonfiction book about sharks that is a great addition to any elementary school collection. 

597.3 Sharks            Mary McEndree,  Lehigh Valley Regional Charter Academy

Elem. – Danger on the Reef

Maddox, Jake. Danger on the Reef. Stone Arch Books, 2020. 978-1-496-58700-8. 72 p. $5.95. Grades 2-4.

Jasmine is already a certified scuba diver, and she loves diving with her parents who are marine biologists. She knows how far she is allowed to dive, how to check her diving buddy for safety, and how to calmly react in any situation. Her younger brother Arjun, however, has not been a good diving buddy. He tries to swim farther than he is allowed, interact with the wildlife, and doesn’t listen to his diving buddy. Jasmine is frustrated with him…how can he learn to be a marine biologist if he isn’t safe? Things can take a deadly turn when you are deep in the water, and they just might if Arjun doesn’t learn to be a good diving buddy!

THOUGHTS: An enjoyable Jake Maddox adventure story! Fans of Jake Maddox’s sport series will love reading his adventure books.

Realistic Fiction          Rachel Burkhouse, Otto-Eldred SD