“Shark Teeth” by Sherri Winston is a powerful middle-grade novel that tackles family resilience and self-discovery through the eyes of twelve-year-old Sharkita “Kita” Hayes. This Schneider Family Honor Book follows Kita as she navigates the instability of caring for her younger siblings while her mother cycles through periods of sobriety. The story balances raw emotional weight with moments of hope as Kita joins a baton-twirling team, builds trust with supportive adults, and confronts her greatest fear: another foster care separation that could splinter her family.
Educators will find “Shark Teeth” particularly effective for engaging readers. Short, dialogue-driven chapters and accessible sentence structures create natural pacing, while Kita’s candid voice—marked by phrases like “sibs” and “Mama”—reflects authentic tween speech patterns. The shark motif serves dual purposes: it demystifies anxiety through tangible imagery (e.g., “jaws of panic”) and provides built-in discussion hooks for classrooms exploring figurative language. The book’s unflinching yet age-appropriate handling of tough topics like parental neglect that makes it a standout for libraries aiming to reflect diverse lived experiences. Teachers can leverage Kita’s journey to spark conversations about trust, advocacy, and finding light in dark places, all within a narrative structure that rewards perseverance without overwhelming developing readers.
