Description
There are several misconceptions about sharks, but is everything a fifth-grader knows about sharks wrong? This book busts about two dozen myths about sharks, however most readers (even younger readers) are likely to know about that at least a few of these myths are not supported. The book’s objective is to go beyond myth-busting to help readers learn more about and develop a greater appreciation of sharks, and possibly enlist our help in aiding sharks.
The book devotes a two-page spread per myth by prominently stating a myth and providing the evidence to debunk it. The evidence comes not only from the words on the page, but also from the illustrations. The narrative is relatively jargon-free, conversational, and aimed at about the fifth-grade level. The pages illustrate diversity among sharks from their size and shapes to their diets, behaviors, and habitats. One myth is “shark’s super-smell is their strongest sense” (which explores other senses). Another is “Megalodon Lives”. Yes another is “Studying Sharks is Dangerous.”
From an educational perspective, it is an excellent book to help middle-schoolers learn about the diversity of sharks, and make us more aware of our impact on their habitat. Recommended for middle-schoolers and general readers interested in sharks.