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I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

illustrations by
4.15
on Goodreads (12,433)

What’s inside...

Based on true events! It's the summer of 1916 and the Jersey shore is being terrorized by a great white shark. Can 10 year old Chet and his friends survive a swim in the local creek?

Why read this book

  • Gripping historical tale from a child's perspective.
  • Encourages resilience and bravery amidst adversity.
  • Highlights importance of history and learning from it.
  • Engaging narrative that boosts reading and comprehension skills.
In series
Age
8-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

If you were in Chet's position during the shark attack, how do you think you would have reacted?
Why do you think the shark came so close to the shore? What can we learn about animal behavior from this?
How did the people in the story react to the shark attacks? What does this tell us about how different people handle fear?
What role do friendship and courage play in this story? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Chet?
How do you think the town changed after the shark attacks? What lessons do you think the community learned?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the historical context of the story before discussing, to give your child a clearer picture of the setting and time.
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the book’s events and relate them to their own experiences of overcoming fears.
Ask your child what they would have done differently if they were a character in the book, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Discuss the importance of community and teamwork in overcoming adversities, as shown in the book.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates bravery by facing terrifying shark attacks, showing that fear can be overcome with determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it be speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book is set in 1916 and provides historical context about life during that time, helping children understand the differences and similarities to their current environment.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore more about history and develop a curiosity about how people lived in other eras.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The characters in the story support one another throughout the shark attacks, showcasing the value of having trusted friends during difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing and supporting their peers, understanding the impact of friendship on overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The characters need to make quick decisions during the crisis, highlighting the necessity of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This stresses to children the importance of staying calm and thinking clearly during emergencies or in solving everyday problems.