ALA Booklist (Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

This book reveals why sharks don't deserve their bad reputation. Young first refutes sharks' bloodthirstiness toward humans by stating that there were 81 unprovoked shark attacks on humans in 2016, but at least one hundred million sharks are killed annually by humans. A study by Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia shows a shocking decline in shark species from 1985 to 2000, and many shark species have become endangered. The book explains the man-made and natural threats that have contributed to this decline, and includes a guide to shark species, explores their migration and mating patterns, and shares how scientists are gathering data about sharks. Shark-protection advocates like pioneering ichthyologist Eugenie Clark led the way for ecotourism, and the popularity of Shark Week has also helped encourage young people to become citizen scientists to advocate for saving sharks. The book includes spotlights of "shark truths," infographics, and other further resources. This is an engaging, well-researched book about a much maligned species of fish that deserves our protection.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

Sharks are more than ocean-dwelling dangers, argues Young in this fact- and photo-filled introduction. Textbook-like chapters provide discussion of shark anatomy, migration, reproduction, feeding habits, and cultural misconceptions while also delving into the scientific work involved in studying and protecting sharks, giving budding ichthyologists a glimpse of possible career directions. Includes a guide to the eight orders of shark species. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Kirkus Reviews

A remarkably thorough tour of the world of sharks and marine scientists' efforts to educate the public about our ocean's apex predators.Misconceptions fueled by sensationalized attack stories in the media and limb-rending horror films have painted sharks as bloodthirsty villains of the sea, lying in wait for tasty, unsuspecting humans. As Young (Whale Quest, 2017, etc.) explains, however, humans—a fairly new addition to sharks' world with our 6 million years on the planet being a mere blip compared to sharks' 420 million—actually represent the single greatest threat to sharks' continued existence through harmful practices like finning, commercial fishing, and pollution. This human threat is not a new topic for informational texts, and here is where so many books conclude, perhaps with a final call for action and touch of doom—but not so with this one. Instead, Young's interweaving of dismantled misinformation and captivating "shark truths" seamlessly leads into the activities undertaken by researchers and conservationists to better understand and protect shark populations. Projects like SharkCam robots, fully mapping the shark genome, and citizen-driven tagging initiatives not only ground readers in real efforts that are happening right now to address the harm humans are doing, but also propel readers forward by showing how much remains unknown about these powerful creatures.Rich information borders on overload, but passion cuts through the density. (guide, notes, glossary, and bibliography) (Nonfiction. 11-13)

School Library Journal (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Gr 6 Up-Young begins by dispelling myths about sharks that have proliferated in the media and popular culture. Chapters such as "What's a Shark?" and "Shark Sex" are quick reads and will dispel the creatures' reputations as terrors of the oceans, while also easily engaging readers. Further discussion about ichthyologists, scientists who study fish, and their research in and out of the water follows. Young also provides a balanced discussion about the pros and cons of having sharks in captivity. Ways in which scientists identify and track sharksGoPro-style cameras called Crittercams, and smartphone appswill fascinate readers. Shark populations are endangered due in large part to human impact, specifically fishing and finning, and information about how teens can act as advocates and conservationists is provided. A guide at the end presents biological classifications, complete with scientific names, images, and brief information about eight identified orders of sharks. VERDICT A must-purchase for libraries with fans of Shark Week. Erica Thorsen, Albemarle High School, VA