Shark Girl - Kelly Bingham (Library book)

4.5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -
On a sunny day in June, at the beach with her mom and brother, fifteen-year-old Jane Arrowood went for a swim. And then everything — absolutely everything — changed. Now she’s counting down the days until she returns to school with her fake arm, where she knows kids will whisper, "That’s her — that’s Shark Girl," as she passes. In the meantime there are only questions: Why did this happen? Why her? What about her art? What about her life? In this striking first novel, Kelly Bingham uses poems, letters, telephone conversations, and newspaper clippings to look unflinchingly at what it’s like to lose part of yourself - and to summon the courage it takes to find yourself again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Kelly Bingham is the author of the award-winning novel Shark Girl as well as Z Is for Moose, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. Recipient of an MFA in writing for children and young adults, Kelly Bingham lives in Georgia.

Visit her at her website - HERE 

 

MY REVIEW -

Oh my gosh this book is SAD!!! I was sobbing through half the book. Although very traumatic, it is also very encouraging as Jane "Shark girl" faces all her challenges as an amputee. Not only is she a teenager in the prime of her social life, but she is also a very good artist. After losing her right arm - will she ever draw again? Will she even try?

This book is told in verse (poems) and I thought at first that I wouldn't really like it as much. I thought something would feel missing. But I really did enjoy it told that way. It seemed like all the "blah blah blah" was taken out and what was left was all the important stuff.

Oh I really loved Jane. The character development was great. Again I was wondering how this would be with all the poems, but the author did a fantastic job. You really do get into Jane's heart. You also get to know the mom, brother and her friends as well. There is no character development missing here!

This is a very quick to read, easy flowing, un-put-downable story. Between sobs and tears flowing and gasps you will be cheering Jane on. This is a great role-model type book for young teens (no sex, no swearing) and I highly recommend it. It should make any teen, or adult feel so lucky for what they have and who they are.

There is a second book called  "Formerly Shark Girl" and I can't wait to read it!

This was my library book for the month - so thank you Public Library System!

Get it from Amazon - HERE 

and from B&N - HERE