Shark Girl (original 2007; edition 2007)

A young California girl's life is forever changed after a shark attack forces the amputation of her right arm. She struggles to come to terms with her new life. The verse format works perfectly in with this story. ( )

Moving story of a CA teen who loses her right arm in a shark attack and worries that her dream of becoming an artist are over. Credible characters, realistic dialogue, and good writing enhance a somewhat flat plot. ( )

a strong verse novel interspersed with some letters from sympathetic people. Jane's family has already coped with one tragedy, now they have to cope with a very public tragedy. Jane is a victim of a shark attack, and a media frenzy. She just wants to live a normal life - but what is normal anymore? Her identity as an artist is in jeopardy, as are relationships with friends. She just wants everyone to understand that she's not 'that girl', she's Jane. ( )

Recommended Ages: Gr. 6-10

Plot Summary: Jane loses an arm in a shark attack and has a hard time adjusting physically and socially. A former award winning artist, Jane struggles to do the things she has previously enjoyed. Told in verse, using poetry, letters, newspaper articles, and phone conversations.

Setting: Santa Clarita, CA

Characters:
Jane -
Michael - Jane's older brother, leaves for college, forces Jane to mow the lawn
Justin - Jane's younger friend at hospital, lost a leg
Mel - Jane's psychologist while at the hospital

Recurring Themes: regret, family, life-changing experiences, amputation, friendship, feeling sorry for yourself, identity

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: While reading, I was slightly annoyed at Jane for not being stronger in dealing with her amputation, but the more I think about it, the more I think Jane reacted the way most teenagers would react. Jane was constantly facing people claiming she was strong and brave, but she was in fact sulking and sour about her loss. No one seemed to be able to give her and treat her the way she craved. I believe Jane had true teenager emotions.

This is a great book for teens who do not feel as if they fit in. The main character Jane, struggles with fitting in to her "old" life after a summer shark attack forces her to amputate her right arm. This books is filled with the challenges and emotions of this difficult time in a teen's life. Jane wants to get back to her life of being a great artist but having to deal with the loss of her arm proves to be more of a challenge to her. She slowly has to work through her feelings and being in the spotlight. ( )