Shark Wars

April 18, 2011
What should be a can't-miss concept (shark tribes warring for territorial rights and positions of power) somehow does, mostly due to tired dialogue and a forced aquatic vocabulary. Screenwriter and first-time novelist Altbacker quickly establishes and makes extensive use of underwater lore and lingoâBig Blue is the open ocean, green-greenie are kelp beds, chop-chop denotes the ocean's surfaceâthat readers will find either fun or babyish, but that mostly feels intrusive (particularly in the inclusion of cardinal directions in random words: "lEast" for lost, "Southdenly" for suddenly). After Gray, a feisty shark pup, is banished from his peaceful, reef-dwelling clan, or "shiver," he and his friend Barkley venture into Big Blue and form Rogue Shiver with a quartet of sharks they meet. As Rogue Shiver becomes embroiled in a clash between two larger shivers, a web of scheming, shifting allegiances, and questionable identities emerges; a final showdown upends the balance of power and hints at Gray's future ascendancy. Readers looking for action and playground-style undersea banter ("You all suck algae!") will find both in abundance, and for some that will be enough. Ages 9â12.

August 1, 2011

Gr 4-7-Gray is a young reef shark growing up in Coral Shiver, one of the shark clans established in the sea in ancient times. The shivers rule the Big Blue, but they must be careful to avoid the "landsharks" who run the world above, hunting and devouring so many fish, including the mighty sharks. Gray, who is growing larger and larger, keeps sneaking off to hunt on his own-something he is as yet forbidden to do-until at last he is exiled from Coral Shiver. Gray's friend Barkley, a dogfish, soon joins him and they try to find a new clan. They encounter Goblin Shiver, which is a bit like a rough street gang ruled by tough-as-barnacles Goblin and sneaky Velenka, who has plans of her own to rule. The first volume of what will obviously become a long series, this story establishes, but doesn't develop, many threads. The result is a sketchy tale with underdeveloped characters and plot, and without a resolution.-Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.