A review by mamadaughterbookclub
Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston

challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This is an intense read so please check the trigger warnings. In a year stacked with bad moms in middle grade books, Mama in Shark Teeth may take the cake. In addition to putting her kids in physical harm, the emotional impacts of her neglect and abuse was heartbreaking to read.

Sharkita "Kita" is 12 years old but has the responsibilities of an adult. We start the book with her being reunited with her younger siblings and her mama, after the 3 of them were separated in different foster care homes due to their mama's neglect. Readers quickly realize several things. 

  1. Kita is parenting her younger siblings, full on parenting. Caring for their physical and emotional needs, feeding them, keeping them clean, keeping them safe. She is also managing the household - doing the cleaning, paying the bills, cooking, laundry, the works. 
  2. Kita is suffering from anxiety which manifest in panic attacks, or as she calls them, shark attacks. She feels that she's being squeeze to the point where she cannot move and thinks she's having a heart attack.
  3. Kita blames herself for things that are not her responsibility and things she cannot control.

What gives me hope is that the community rallies around Kita and her siblings. There are people who truly care for her, including her friends, her assistant principal, her counselor, and her art teacher. The love and bond that she and her siblings have for each other is beautiful.

A tough book to read (be mindful of sensitive kids), so recommended for ages 10+ who can handle mature themes.
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