46 pages • 1 hour read •
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112
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Historical FictionNew Jersey • 1910s
•
Animals•
Friendship•
World History2010
Scholastic
Middle grade
8-12 years
610L
I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis follows 10-year-old Chet Roscow living with his uncle in New Jersey during a summer plagued by shark attacks. Despite initial disbelief and a failed prank on his friends, Chet ultimately encounters a shark in Matawan Creek, undergoes a terrifying attack, and heroically warns the town, learning the value of friendship and community. The book includes themes of animal attacks and injury.
Suspenseful
Adventurous
Emotional
16,035 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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I Survived The Shark Attacks Of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis is well-received for its thrilling and fast-paced narrative, engaging young readers with historical fiction. Positively noted for its educational value and action-filled plot, the book’s main criticism centers on its predictability and simplified language. Overall, it's praised as an accessible and exciting read for children.
Readers who enjoy historical adventure novels with intense survival themes, particularly fans of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, would find I Survived The Shark Attacks Of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis compelling. Ideal for middle-grade readers, it mixes real-life events with gripping fictionalized narratives.
16,035 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Uncle Jerry
Chet's uncle and caregiver in Elm Hills, providing stability and guidance. He runs the local diner and is a beloved figure in the community.
Captain Wilson
An elderly former whaling captain with firsthand knowledge of sharks. Initially not taken seriously by the townsfolk, he plays a crucial role in the story's climax.
The Shark
The story's catalyst and antagonist, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear from the start. Its appearances drive key narrative events.
Author Lauren Tarshis researched extensively to blend true historical events from 1916 with fictional characters, providing young readers with a thrilling yet educational experience.
The 1916 shark attacks took place along the New Jersey shore and are often credited with igniting the modern-day fear of sharks and inspiring films like Jaws.
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I Survived The Shark Attacks Of 1916 highlights the early 20th-century shark mythology, which viewed sharks as relatively harmless — a myth dispelled by the events depicted in the book.
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112
Novel • Fiction
•
Realistic Fiction•
Historical FictionNew Jersey • 1910s
•
Animals•
Friendship•
World History2010
Scholastic
Middle grade
8-12 years
610L
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