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Shark Teeth
From National Book Award longlisted author Sherri Winston comes an important middle grade novel about a girl's tumultuous journey to keep her family together, even when she's falling apart.
Sharkita “Kita” Hayes is always waiting.
Waiting for her mama to mess up.
Waiting for social services to be called again.
Waiting for her and her siblings to be separated.
Waiting for her worst fear to come true.
But Mama promises things are different now. She's got a good job, she's stopped drinking, stopped going out every night-it's almost enough to make Kita believe her this time. But even as Kita's life is going good, she can't shake the feeling that everything could go up in flames at any moment. When her assistant principal and trusted dance coach starts asking questions about her home life, Kita is more determined than ever to keep up appearances and make sure her family stays together-even if it means falling apart herself.
As the threat of her family being separated again circles like a shark in the water, the pressure starts to get to Kita. But could it be that Kita's worst fear is actually the best thing that could happen to her family . . . and to her?
Sharkita “Kita” Hayes is always waiting.
Waiting for her mama to mess up.
Waiting for social services to be called again.
Waiting for her and her siblings to be separated.
Waiting for her worst fear to come true.
But Mama promises things are different now. She's got a good job, she's stopped drinking, stopped going out every night-it's almost enough to make Kita believe her this time. But even as Kita's life is going good, she can't shake the feeling that everything could go up in flames at any moment. When her assistant principal and trusted dance coach starts asking questions about her home life, Kita is more determined than ever to keep up appearances and make sure her family stays together-even if it means falling apart herself.
As the threat of her family being separated again circles like a shark in the water, the pressure starts to get to Kita. But could it be that Kita's worst fear is actually the best thing that could happen to her family . . . and to her?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2024
32 people are currently reading
1007 people want to read
About the author
Sherri Winston
19 books189 followersPrepare for your greatest mission yet. Jada Sly, Artist & Spy, is ready to take you on a journey across Manhattan and behind the scenes at her family’s museum. Fast-paced and quick-witted, Jada leads us into her conspiratorial world with great panache and determination. Perfect for cool middle grade spies.
Sherri Winston has eight published works of fiction, and lives in Orlando, FL.
Sherri Winston has eight published works of fiction, and lives in Orlando, FL.
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February 25, 2024
“The sad truth is not everyone is capable of being a parent. Biology dictates who can conceive and give birth, but it takes more than making a baby to be a parent.”
I once read a comment where someone said they don’t rate middle school fiction/juvenile fiction low because the books are targeted at kids and pre-teens anyway, so, of course, there are going to be some issues revolving around the stories. They’re not meant to be taken seriously, and apparently, anyone who rates such stories low just doesn’t have a good heart.
Well, I guess I do not have a good heart because that’s absolute bullshit and I don’t care if the story is a children’s story, middle-grade story, young adult novel, or a book meant for adults. If the story works, it works; if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. Luckily, I’ve had quite the luck with middle-grade novels. For the time being, from what I’ve read, they’ve all worked well for me. Emotional, strong, well-written, nicely developed, and well-paced, juvenile fiction hits different than what I usually read.
Shark Teeth is an example of a middle-grade novel that did, fortunately, work out for me. The author does a fantastic job with many different elements of the story, ranging from the character’s feelings and emotions, to the different support systems of the side characters, to creating a realistic 12-year-old, to the timeline of the events unfolding, to the development of Kayla, who is sadly sacrificing her childhood for the sake of her younger siblings. The story packs a strong, emotional punch. It doesn’t lack emotions, development, or writing. It provides different feelings of anger and rage, sadness and heartbreak, happiness and hope. While I am not the biggest fan of pre-teens (and teens) in real life, especially as nowadays it feels like they are way worse than when I was a teen not too long ago myself (I’m only 23; you do the math), Kayla’s character and story had my attention from the start. To see how this little girl would take us on her journey of a parental role despite being a child herself piqued my interest from the beginning. I don’t normally read these stories, but I can confidently say I will be trying my best to expand my reading choices, expanding into different genres, and breaking out of my comfort zone.
The timeline of the story is perfectly balanced. The story is easy to see unfold, with each event working out quite perfectly and measurably to show its period. I found this to be one of the author’s strongest writing points, as she was able to unfold each event realistically, on time, without rushing in the effort or making the development too rushed. Kayla’s character development is perfectly paced, never fast-paced or too slow. Her reality is moving, gripping, and saddening. Different sets of emotions are encapsulated, absorbed at a coordinated pace, never too haste or delayed.
The story is realistic, whether one can relate or not. It’s heartbreaking, a perfect imaginative story that can show the reality of so many young children who take care of their siblings as if they were some sort of co-parent. Kayla has her strong moment but is also believably weak. She is easily controlled and handled by her mother, and just when you think she’s going to stand up for herself, she backs down. I had no issue with this because it was meant to be a setup for her future character development. It comes off adequately, not missing a beat for a growing, pre-teen. Kayla’s life isn’t fast, so her time to defend herself and realize what is best for her won’t make its way quickly. She’s still learning to use and control her own emotions. The author has a wonderful ability to write her mind maturely for a young girl like her, losing her focus at certain times but at other times, showing her emotional maturity that no child should have.
Kayla’s story reminded me of Makayla, a ten-year-old who was in The Steve Wilkos show, where she confronted her mother. Watching that scene breaks my heart. To think that a ten-year-old child is that mature isn’t right. Yet Kayla’s situation is not that different. She’s a child but might as well be a grown-up, acting as a parent to fill in for her absentee mother to her two siblings. The author sets the story up brilliantly–there’s emotional manipulation, lying, faking, pretending, and neglecting. Kayla’s mother is not a good person, and she never really tries to be. Kayla, unfortunately, can’t see her (yet) the way the reader might. Her mother manages to lie to her and manipulate her, using her emotions to her advantage, victimizing herself. It’s easy to be angry with her mother, Brittany. There is a quote that stood out to me:
“You don’t have a right to be angry! If anyone has a right to be angry, it’s me! Everything I sacrificed just to bring you into this world. Everything I do for you. If you knew like I knew, you’d be grateful!”
How dehumanizing, childish, and disheartening.
Kayla’s seventh-grade experience was easily imaginable. I could still remember myself in seventh grade, even sixth, being a growing child afraid of the growing future. I was such a people pleaser, more than I am even now, and I feared what people would say about me. Middle grade is a harsh reality. I hated it more than high school if I’m being honest. Bullying, rumors, fake friends, greed, difficult teachers, hormones, cliques, and groups–I don’t miss it.
The people around Kayla also felt incredibly real, never an impersonation of anyone else, never feeling like they’re characters for the sake of being created. Everyone had a distinct personality that showed who each individual was. There is an incredible support system around Kayla, from her best friend Niecy, her psychologist Dr. Charles, her coach/teacher, Miss Kadejah, to the social worker, Mrs. Grieves, to even her potential, future boyfriend, Quintin. There’s nothing graphic between the relationship, and Kayla and Quintin never actually date or anything. Their growing feelings are there, and I think the author did a good job of painting an additional relationship for Kayla that could show how Kayla was a child, experiencing these different emotions and feelings, figuring she is at an age where she is learning how to be herself.
The mental health representation–the panic attacks and the sleep paralysis–is well-written, never feeling stereotypical, and quite appropriate for what Kayla has gone through. The symbolism of the sharks is fascinating. The title comes from Sharkita, who goes by Kita for short, who has shark teeth and is bullied for it (as well as her name, Shark-ita). Her teeth and smile are one of her biggest insecurities, and it’s fair to say it’s her mothers fault. The bullying and teasing she endured caused her to be scared of sharks, in which she has nightmares and panic attacks that stem from them. The author never uses either part to define Kayla but to make her, to show how they develop, to show how unfair life becomes. The panic attacks Kayla experiences don’t start off being defined as such because she doesn’t know at first, but the symbolism of the sharks is brilliant. The symptoms of a panic attack and her sleep paralysis are described through an analysis of sharks as if they’re going to eat her, swallow her whole, and kill her. It shows her fear and agitation. I think this is a great way for kids to learn about things such as panic disorder, a way for them to not get too caught up on labels of mental health but instead to use different analogies.
The only issue I had was how it seemed a little too much as if we were supposed to forgive Brittany for where she was coming from, but for me, I am at that point where I think we need to stop excusing people. There is a difference between understanding versus excusing. No, you getting pregnant at 15 years old and losing your father is not an excuse to abandon your three children, neglect them, spend your money drinking and partying, making your 12-year-old stay home and take care of her siblings, not let her enjoy her life, and blame her for the life you are missing out. I don’t think the author ever paints or tries to paint, the mother as a good mother and person, but sometimes I did feel like we were supposed to sympathize with her, yet I really couldn’t. Not when she would put the blame on Kayla; not when Brittany didn’t try; not when she guilt-tripped Kayla; not when Kayla is a child who wants to be a child; not when Kayla didn’t ask to be in her current position. That being said, I was glad we weren’t presented with a miraculous, redeemable act of Brittany, because she didn’t deserve it. Sometimes, parents and family members don’t deserve forgiveness, and that’s okay. They don’t deserve it, and they don’t need it.
The development of the ending is a little over the top, but I see what the author was doing with it. It’s predictable, but it’s hopeful. I saw it coming, yet it didn’t falter my enjoyment. I didn’t hate it, even if the resolution can show up as too fast-paced. I was happy with it because Kayla deserved it and more. The story is still many things, all while being most importantly realistic, emotional, and quite gut-wrenching.
I once read a comment where someone said they don’t rate middle school fiction/juvenile fiction low because the books are targeted at kids and pre-teens anyway, so, of course, there are going to be some issues revolving around the stories. They’re not meant to be taken seriously, and apparently, anyone who rates such stories low just doesn’t have a good heart.
Well, I guess I do not have a good heart because that’s absolute bullshit and I don’t care if the story is a children’s story, middle-grade story, young adult novel, or a book meant for adults. If the story works, it works; if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. Luckily, I’ve had quite the luck with middle-grade novels. For the time being, from what I’ve read, they’ve all worked well for me. Emotional, strong, well-written, nicely developed, and well-paced, juvenile fiction hits different than what I usually read.
Shark Teeth is an example of a middle-grade novel that did, fortunately, work out for me. The author does a fantastic job with many different elements of the story, ranging from the character’s feelings and emotions, to the different support systems of the side characters, to creating a realistic 12-year-old, to the timeline of the events unfolding, to the development of Kayla, who is sadly sacrificing her childhood for the sake of her younger siblings. The story packs a strong, emotional punch. It doesn’t lack emotions, development, or writing. It provides different feelings of anger and rage, sadness and heartbreak, happiness and hope. While I am not the biggest fan of pre-teens (and teens) in real life, especially as nowadays it feels like they are way worse than when I was a teen not too long ago myself (I’m only 23; you do the math), Kayla’s character and story had my attention from the start. To see how this little girl would take us on her journey of a parental role despite being a child herself piqued my interest from the beginning. I don’t normally read these stories, but I can confidently say I will be trying my best to expand my reading choices, expanding into different genres, and breaking out of my comfort zone.
The timeline of the story is perfectly balanced. The story is easy to see unfold, with each event working out quite perfectly and measurably to show its period. I found this to be one of the author’s strongest writing points, as she was able to unfold each event realistically, on time, without rushing in the effort or making the development too rushed. Kayla’s character development is perfectly paced, never fast-paced or too slow. Her reality is moving, gripping, and saddening. Different sets of emotions are encapsulated, absorbed at a coordinated pace, never too haste or delayed.
The story is realistic, whether one can relate or not. It’s heartbreaking, a perfect imaginative story that can show the reality of so many young children who take care of their siblings as if they were some sort of co-parent. Kayla has her strong moment but is also believably weak. She is easily controlled and handled by her mother, and just when you think she’s going to stand up for herself, she backs down. I had no issue with this because it was meant to be a setup for her future character development. It comes off adequately, not missing a beat for a growing, pre-teen. Kayla’s life isn’t fast, so her time to defend herself and realize what is best for her won’t make its way quickly. She’s still learning to use and control her own emotions. The author has a wonderful ability to write her mind maturely for a young girl like her, losing her focus at certain times but at other times, showing her emotional maturity that no child should have.
Kayla’s story reminded me of Makayla, a ten-year-old who was in The Steve Wilkos show, where she confronted her mother. Watching that scene breaks my heart. To think that a ten-year-old child is that mature isn’t right. Yet Kayla’s situation is not that different. She’s a child but might as well be a grown-up, acting as a parent to fill in for her absentee mother to her two siblings. The author sets the story up brilliantly–there’s emotional manipulation, lying, faking, pretending, and neglecting. Kayla’s mother is not a good person, and she never really tries to be. Kayla, unfortunately, can’t see her (yet) the way the reader might. Her mother manages to lie to her and manipulate her, using her emotions to her advantage, victimizing herself. It’s easy to be angry with her mother, Brittany. There is a quote that stood out to me:
“You don’t have a right to be angry! If anyone has a right to be angry, it’s me! Everything I sacrificed just to bring you into this world. Everything I do for you. If you knew like I knew, you’d be grateful!”
How dehumanizing, childish, and disheartening.
Kayla’s seventh-grade experience was easily imaginable. I could still remember myself in seventh grade, even sixth, being a growing child afraid of the growing future. I was such a people pleaser, more than I am even now, and I feared what people would say about me. Middle grade is a harsh reality. I hated it more than high school if I’m being honest. Bullying, rumors, fake friends, greed, difficult teachers, hormones, cliques, and groups–I don’t miss it.
The people around Kayla also felt incredibly real, never an impersonation of anyone else, never feeling like they’re characters for the sake of being created. Everyone had a distinct personality that showed who each individual was. There is an incredible support system around Kayla, from her best friend Niecy, her psychologist Dr. Charles, her coach/teacher, Miss Kadejah, to the social worker, Mrs. Grieves, to even her potential, future boyfriend, Quintin. There’s nothing graphic between the relationship, and Kayla and Quintin never actually date or anything. Their growing feelings are there, and I think the author did a good job of painting an additional relationship for Kayla that could show how Kayla was a child, experiencing these different emotions and feelings, figuring she is at an age where she is learning how to be herself.
The mental health representation–the panic attacks and the sleep paralysis–is well-written, never feeling stereotypical, and quite appropriate for what Kayla has gone through. The symbolism of the sharks is fascinating. The title comes from Sharkita, who goes by Kita for short, who has shark teeth and is bullied for it (as well as her name, Shark-ita). Her teeth and smile are one of her biggest insecurities, and it’s fair to say it’s her mothers fault. The bullying and teasing she endured caused her to be scared of sharks, in which she has nightmares and panic attacks that stem from them. The author never uses either part to define Kayla but to make her, to show how they develop, to show how unfair life becomes. The panic attacks Kayla experiences don’t start off being defined as such because she doesn’t know at first, but the symbolism of the sharks is brilliant. The symptoms of a panic attack and her sleep paralysis are described through an analysis of sharks as if they’re going to eat her, swallow her whole, and kill her. It shows her fear and agitation. I think this is a great way for kids to learn about things such as panic disorder, a way for them to not get too caught up on labels of mental health but instead to use different analogies.
The only issue I had was how it seemed a little too much as if we were supposed to forgive Brittany for where she was coming from, but for me, I am at that point where I think we need to stop excusing people. There is a difference between understanding versus excusing. No, you getting pregnant at 15 years old and losing your father is not an excuse to abandon your three children, neglect them, spend your money drinking and partying, making your 12-year-old stay home and take care of her siblings, not let her enjoy her life, and blame her for the life you are missing out. I don’t think the author ever paints or tries to paint, the mother as a good mother and person, but sometimes I did feel like we were supposed to sympathize with her, yet I really couldn’t. Not when she would put the blame on Kayla; not when Brittany didn’t try; not when she guilt-tripped Kayla; not when Kayla is a child who wants to be a child; not when Kayla didn’t ask to be in her current position. That being said, I was glad we weren’t presented with a miraculous, redeemable act of Brittany, because she didn’t deserve it. Sometimes, parents and family members don’t deserve forgiveness, and that’s okay. They don’t deserve it, and they don’t need it.
The development of the ending is a little over the top, but I see what the author was doing with it. It’s predictable, but it’s hopeful. I saw it coming, yet it didn’t falter my enjoyment. I didn’t hate it, even if the resolution can show up as too fast-paced. I was happy with it because Kayla deserved it and more. The story is still many things, all while being most importantly realistic, emotional, and quite gut-wrenching.
May 11, 2024
Honestly, this was one of the most disturbing middle grade books that I've read in a long time. I've read Sherri Winston before so I wasn't the book to hit me as hard as it did. CW: alcohol abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse, parental neglect, child endangerment, bullying, and emotional abuse, gaslighting.
Shark Teeth follows main character Sharkita who dedicates everything in her life to her younger siblings. For the entirety of her life, Sharkita's mother has struggled with alcoholism which has led her loss of custody multiple times. At the start of the novel, Sharkita's seems to have cleaned up her act as she has one last chance before she permanently losses the children. Unfortunately, those awful habits begin to rear their ugly heads as soon as Sharkita wants to spend more time dedicated to her dance/baton team. What follows is a gut wrenching story about standing up for yourself and the one's you love even if that means being at odds with your parents.
What Worked: This must have been a difficult story to write because this was a difficult story to read. Nevertheless, Sherri Winston does an excellent job taking care to provide a realistic experience for younger readers. Sharkita is skillfully developed and is allowed to have support systems in the community and in school officials when her family begins to fail her. Although there is a sense of maturity about her, Winston does allow her age to shine through in certain moments. Although she knows her mother isn't in a healthy place is unable to take care of the family, she still longs for things to go right and even goes as far as to protect her mother's habits/behaviors from the rest of the community. These moments illustrate how children can long for the love/nurturing of a parent/caregiver even when they engage in harmful behaviors. Even in the midst of an emotionally devastating book, I'm happy that Sharkita was able to find moments of happiness particularly those that related to her dancing and twirling.
Overall, this was amazing and beautifully done.
Shark Teeth follows main character Sharkita who dedicates everything in her life to her younger siblings. For the entirety of her life, Sharkita's mother has struggled with alcoholism which has led her loss of custody multiple times. At the start of the novel, Sharkita's seems to have cleaned up her act as she has one last chance before she permanently losses the children. Unfortunately, those awful habits begin to rear their ugly heads as soon as Sharkita wants to spend more time dedicated to her dance/baton team. What follows is a gut wrenching story about standing up for yourself and the one's you love even if that means being at odds with your parents.
What Worked: This must have been a difficult story to write because this was a difficult story to read. Nevertheless, Sherri Winston does an excellent job taking care to provide a realistic experience for younger readers. Sharkita is skillfully developed and is allowed to have support systems in the community and in school officials when her family begins to fail her. Although there is a sense of maturity about her, Winston does allow her age to shine through in certain moments. Although she knows her mother isn't in a healthy place is unable to take care of the family, she still longs for things to go right and even goes as far as to protect her mother's habits/behaviors from the rest of the community. These moments illustrate how children can long for the love/nurturing of a parent/caregiver even when they engage in harmful behaviors. Even in the midst of an emotionally devastating book, I'm happy that Sharkita was able to find moments of happiness particularly those that related to her dancing and twirling.
Overall, this was amazing and beautifully done.
July 14, 2025
I found a digital copy of SHARK TEETH by Sherri Winston on Libby. All views are mine.
We stumbled over Mama’s best memories, like tripping on old bones, as we ran backward through time. p1
After reading LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTION, I knew I wanted to read another book by this brilliant writer. Libby just happened to have a copy of SHARK TEETH at my library's branch, and the title definitely grabbed me.
I am disintegrating. Coming apart from the inside out. All the little bits of me flying in all directions.... Would I ever get them back? My siblings or the little pieces of my soul? p195
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I love middle grade books that take on difficult topics like kids who get caught up in the foster system because their parents are poor.
2. The characters in this book are extremely well developed and I care about all of them, even the terrible mother.
3. I've never read, I don't think, a realistic account of how a child responds to having to raise or care for their siblings because of lack of parenting. But here it is, and it makes for riveting reading.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I thought the foster system was presented in a more or less favorable light. Foster care isn't always bad, though interestingingly, this story shows how bad foster homes, parents, and siblings can be. The system itself is desperately overburdened and unresponsive, and yet its representation in this book is a bit pie-eyed.
We stumbled over Mama’s best memories, like tripping on old bones, as we ran backward through time. p1
After reading LOTUS BLOOM AND THE AFRO REVOLUTION, I knew I wanted to read another book by this brilliant writer. Libby just happened to have a copy of SHARK TEETH at my library's branch, and the title definitely grabbed me.
I am disintegrating. Coming apart from the inside out. All the little bits of me flying in all directions.... Would I ever get them back? My siblings or the little pieces of my soul? p195
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. I love middle grade books that take on difficult topics like kids who get caught up in the foster system because their parents are poor.
2. The characters in this book are extremely well developed and I care about all of them, even the terrible mother.
3. I've never read, I don't think, a realistic account of how a child responds to having to raise or care for their siblings because of lack of parenting. But here it is, and it makes for riveting reading.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I thought the foster system was presented in a more or less favorable light. Foster care isn't always bad, though interestingingly, this story shows how bad foster homes, parents, and siblings can be. The system itself is desperately overburdened and unresponsive, and yet its representation in this book is a bit pie-eyed.
April 6, 2024
Sharkita lives for her two younger siblings. Their mother has a spotty record of caring for them. In and out of foster homes, Sharkita is terrified that she will be separated from her siblings once again. But at only 12 years old, caring for her siblings is really beyond her ability. The writing is very engaging and believable, although the kids think and talk like adults for much of the first half. (Maybe that comes with the territory when writing about such serious subject matter.) I didn't notice that as much during the second half, after I switched to audio. I was too totally invested in the story! Sharkita's story will stay with me for a long time. A beautiful picture of the African American community reaching out to care for each other in case of need. The situation really helps me empathize with foster kids in a situation like Sharkita's, when they may have to be separated from siblings to find proper care - but it's excruciating to be apart from eachother.
June 4, 2024
Props to this book for covering some topics that aren't addressed nearly enough in middle grade or young adult literature. While some adults might argue these topics are too adult for young readers, I think it's important for young people to see themselves represented in literature as well as get a glimpse into what life is like for some of their peers.
I enjoyed meeting Kita (Sharkita) and seeing what lengths she went to to protect her younger sisters and her partying mother. Kita's mother got pregnant with Kita too young and didn't get her partying days out of her system. Rather than find a sitter for Kita and her siblings, Kita is expected to drop everything to take care of her siblings. This means Kita doesn't get to enjoy cheerleading or hanging out with her friends at the drop of a hat. Finally, Kita's mom is turning things around and Kita is ready to actually be a middle school kid. She is enjoying her new freedom but Kita's mom is starting to slip. Will Kita be able to keep everything together?
I thought this book was really well done with showing the realities of responsibility too many parents place on their young children. Kita is at the age where she should be able to enjoy her friends and cheerleading, not worrying about if her mom is going to come home that night and if her younger siblings have childcare. However, I know this is the reality for too many middle schoolers (how many of my own students miss school to provide daycare for their younger siblings?) and it makes my heart sad to see how quickly some young people are forced to grow up. I also enjoyed seeing the reality of mental health, the foster care system, and the challenges of raising a child who has some behavior concerns.
I didn't love the ending of the book, but I think it was appropriate for middle grade readers.
I enjoyed meeting Kita (Sharkita) and seeing what lengths she went to to protect her younger sisters and her partying mother. Kita's mother got pregnant with Kita too young and didn't get her partying days out of her system. Rather than find a sitter for Kita and her siblings, Kita is expected to drop everything to take care of her siblings. This means Kita doesn't get to enjoy cheerleading or hanging out with her friends at the drop of a hat. Finally, Kita's mom is turning things around and Kita is ready to actually be a middle school kid. She is enjoying her new freedom but Kita's mom is starting to slip. Will Kita be able to keep everything together?
I thought this book was really well done with showing the realities of responsibility too many parents place on their young children. Kita is at the age where she should be able to enjoy her friends and cheerleading, not worrying about if her mom is going to come home that night and if her younger siblings have childcare. However, I know this is the reality for too many middle schoolers (how many of my own students miss school to provide daycare for their younger siblings?) and it makes my heart sad to see how quickly some young people are forced to grow up. I also enjoyed seeing the reality of mental health, the foster care system, and the challenges of raising a child who has some behavior concerns.
I didn't love the ending of the book, but I think it was appropriate for middle grade readers.
February 15, 2025
This book - man, I understand why it won so many awards. It's a book that balances parental neglect well with the emotions that produces - the anger, the shame, the fear. It also did a wonderful job of portraying fetal alcohol syndrome and anxiety without making characters one-dimensional. Kita is an artist, a writer, a twirl - and oldest sister/mom due to her mother's frequent abandonment. It also does a great job of exploring the foster system - not vilifying it, but also not glorifying it.
I loved Kita's friend group and how this book portrayed adults in her life as being those who blew the whistle. Most of all, I loved Kita. She is relatable and shines in a difficult story.
I loved Kita's friend group and how this book portrayed adults in her life as being those who blew the whistle. Most of all, I loved Kita. She is relatable and shines in a difficult story.
Read
September 24, 2023DNF. I've gotta bow out of this one. It's making me feel all sorts of anxious.
December 16, 2024
This falls under those stories of a parent that shouldn’t be one like in the two books: Turtle in Paradise and Becoming Naomi Leon. This one is more gritty and dramatic in that the author shows what it’s like to be a child stuck in this situation; whereas, the other two books I mentioned the child has been removed from the parent and is trying to deal with the trauma. Here the trauma is in action. I don’t gravitate toward these kind of books, but it was so well written and such a page turner I couldn’t put it down even when I knew the inevitable would happen in the plot. That’s a good story when that happens.
January 27, 2024
This ripped my heart out. Wtf in the best way though.
May 11, 2024
Wow. I read this one fast because I felt so invested in Sharkita and her journey. I appreciated how the "happy ending" was complex, adding some important realism to the story. The writing was adequate (but sometimes felt a little repetitive/bland/clumsily phrased) but the character development and peek inside Sharkita's mind was definitely Newbery-worthy.
October 16, 2024
Kita and Hank Hooperman would make great friends. What a fantastic middle grade read.
notes-on-unfinished-books
June 25, 2024I read three chapters.
I appreciate the subject matter of the book. It is more honest about common childhood experiences than most books are. It does a good job of explaining the trauma of a parent with substance abuse issues and how the oldest child has to become a caretaker. The writing quality was solidly okay and I would be okay with coming back to this book at some point.
I appreciate the subject matter of the book. It is more honest about common childhood experiences than most books are. It does a good job of explaining the trauma of a parent with substance abuse issues and how the oldest child has to become a caretaker. The writing quality was solidly okay and I would be okay with coming back to this book at some point.
November 26, 2023
Sherri Winston (The Braid Girls and more) will break readers’ hearts and then put them back together again with this middle grade realistic fiction work for grades 4-7. Sharkita, a 12 year old seventh grader, has been mom and older sister to younger siblings Lilli and Lamar while trying to do well at school. Mom’s habit of leaving the three minor children alone while she parties with friends has resulted in regular encounters with social services and one significant placement in foster care with the siblings separated. Enduring the stresses of trying to keep everyone fed, clean and together brings on panic attacks and sleep paralysis for Kita but with her dysfunctional mother warning her that she had better keep those issues quiet or be labeled crazy as well as putting the responsibility for the earlier separation squarely on her shoulders, it is no wonder she is close to a breaking point. But maybe this time will be different? Important topics of neglect, bullying, mental health, substance abuse, and speaking truth are investigated in this sad-happy heartwarming book and may give another child in a tough situation the strength to seek out a trusted adult. Certainly, eyes will be opened and hopefully some understanding developed in those who have never experienced trauma, anxiety and/or neglect. An assistant principal and a school counselor are portrayed as trustworthy and caring as are supportive friends and a social worker. Contrasting with these positive characters are several school bullies, an unkind and oblivious teacher, and a grandmother who is almost as damaged as her daughter. A little extra included by Winston-several children’s and early YA books are mentioned by name and play an important part in the lives of Lilli and Sharkita and illustrator Jerry Pinckney is given a significant shout out.
Text is basically free of profanity; best friend Niecy does call the insensitive teacher a word that rhymes with witch but in print, is shown as “b—-“ No sexual content but Kita does begin a “boyfriend-girlfriend” relationship that has no more than a brief brush of the lips on a cheek and a little hand-holding. Mom is not physically abusive towards children but neglect is extensive. One instance of fighting occurs in defense of Sharkita being bullied.
Thanks for the eARC, NetGalley.
Text is basically free of profanity; best friend Niecy does call the insensitive teacher a word that rhymes with witch but in print, is shown as “b—-“ No sexual content but Kita does begin a “boyfriend-girlfriend” relationship that has no more than a brief brush of the lips on a cheek and a little hand-holding. Mom is not physically abusive towards children but neglect is extensive. One instance of fighting occurs in defense of Sharkita being bullied.
Thanks for the eARC, NetGalley.
December 8, 2024
I started with the hard copy and switched to the audio because it came available. The narrator did an excellent job. This book has the overdone theme of 2024, but was written very well. By the end, you feel like you really know the protagonist and have been right with her through her journey. This book is an important book for adults to read too. Kita is one of the best fleshed out characters that I’ve read this year. In addition the supporting characters were expertly written. I’d love a companion book told from the younger sister’s point of view or a 10 year later setting. The only aspect that I would suggest to be changed was a character that was already dead. I thought the husband of the vice principal really stood out as a token character. This seemed so out of place since all the other characters and inclusion were done so well.
November 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Wow. All the emotions. Sharkita “Kita” was born to a teen mom. Now 12, she feels like she is the adult, taking care of her siblings, covering for her mom when she’s out all night drinking, and worrying about CPS. But one night when she doesn’t come home and her mom takes off, Kita’s townhome burns down and the siblings are separated into foster homes. Through therapy and a loving, stable placement, Kita sees what she deserves - to be a kid. When her mom starts calling to ask her to testify that she’s a good parent so that the family can be reunited, Kita is stuck again in the role that shouldn’t be asked of her. Recommended for all middle school readers.
November 5, 2025
Shark Teeth is a story about an 12 year old girl named Sharkita. She carries the family, scared that her mother will mess up, the social services will be called, and that she will lose her sibling and mother. So when her new dance coaches starts to inquire about her home situation, she becomes desperate to save the family. But what if being separated from her mother could be the best?
I loved this book. It was beautifully written, once you've started you can't put it down. The book ends on a happy hopeful note. In total it was a very good book with a great hook.
I loved this book. It was beautifully written, once you've started you can't put it down. The book ends on a happy hopeful note. In total it was a very good book with a great hook.
July 12, 2024
✨5stars✨
I was not expecting to have such an emotional response to this book! Wow! Sharkita’s story is one that’s all too common and needs to be told. The book was well written and I couldn’t put it down. The subject matter is heavy, but it’s written in a way that the middle grade audience would understand and be able to empathize with.
I was not expecting to have such an emotional response to this book! Wow! Sharkita’s story is one that’s all too common and needs to be told. The book was well written and I couldn’t put it down. The subject matter is heavy, but it’s written in a way that the middle grade audience would understand and be able to empathize with.
December 31, 2024
This is one of numerous books about children and foster care that has been written this year. It is a standout in how it details the stress that the lack of a good parent figure can have on children. It is difficult to read, but I was really rooting for Kita and her siblings to experience what being a child should really be about.
March 16, 2024
Have a box of tissues next to you when you read this one. So beautifully written by Sherri Winston , you fall in love with Kita and want her to feel safe and free. The heartbreaking story of a girl forced to grow up too fast.
January 27, 2024
this book made my chest hurt
January 18, 2025
Wow! One of the most powerful middle grade books I have read in a really long time. It is heartbreaking yet filled with hope. I will definitely be promoting this one! Highly recommend!!!
January 18, 2025
middle grade
September 10, 2025
The audiobook was terrible—poor production and choppy narrator. That being said, I really enjoyed the story. Really layered and honest.
July 21, 2024
Maybe i’ll add more to this later, but as of now, all I have to say is this is a lovely book for little girls who had to grow up too fast.
March 10, 2025
Holy Moly! Read this book. I read it in under twenty-four hours. I felt ALL the emotions. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I got mad. This book is fantastic.
Read this book!
Read this book!
March 18, 2025
Impactful read. Shout out to all the Sharkitas of the world! You deserve to be happy and be a kid!
February 17, 2024
More reviews at MrsReaderPants.
Heartbreaking and hopeful. Excellent read for Grades 5-8.
That mom was really a piece of work!
Heartbreaking and hopeful. Excellent read for Grades 5-8.
That mom was really a piece of work!
May 28, 2024
What a difficult read, but what an honest portrayal of a family - and so perspective-shifting since the family in this story doesn’t resemble my family nor the family of the majority of our students. But it *does* represent the lives of other kids, and both their teachers and classmates will benefit greatly from this point of view.
The main character is incredibly resilient; she not only does anything she can to forgive her mother for the lack of parenting happening, but she also takes care of her siblings the best way she knows how at such a young age.
And I love that the ending was not perfect, because there was no perfect ending to be had in their situation. And yet they knew what needed to be done and learned to live with that and celebrate the new joys in their lives.
Excellent middle grade. Absolutely excellent.
The main character is incredibly resilient; she not only does anything she can to forgive her mother for the lack of parenting happening, but she also takes care of her siblings the best way she knows how at such a young age.
And I love that the ending was not perfect, because there was no perfect ending to be had in their situation. And yet they knew what needed to be done and learned to live with that and celebrate the new joys in their lives.
Excellent middle grade. Absolutely excellent.
August 29, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Sharkita's mother was very young when Sharkita was born, and has struggled with many aspects of parenting. She has also struggled with alcoholism, and Kita and her siblings (developmentally disabled Lamar and six year old Lilli) have spent time in foster care. Things have been stable for a while. The mother has taken money from an insurance settlement and bought a town home in a pleasant area, and even gets a job early in the book. Kita, though, is always afraid that things will go back to they way they were. She pays the bills, bathes and feeds her younger sibling, and makes sure that the house is always clean, just in case social service workers visit to assess how they are doing. Her grandmother is not helpful, and causes friction when she does get involved. Since things seem calm, Kita takes a chance and tries out for the baton twirling squad; her mother allows her do to this after school because she herself wasinvolved in the sport while in school. Kita is glad to hang out with her friend Niecy and have a bit of a "normal" tween experience, but it is always in the back of her mind that things could go wrong at any moment. This fear is even voiced by Lilli, which alarms Kita. Kita benefits from talking to the school counselor, and the school does know about her past and checks in with her, but she always tell them that things are fine. When her mother tells her that she will be gone overnight but will be back in the morning, Kita is more worried than ever, but her mother is true to her word and there when she says she will be. Social services is notified, and a caseworker who had met Kita when she was about three years old is sympathetic, but can find nothing concrete that is wrong. Eventually, however, the mother demands that Kita miss a social activity in order for the mother to go out with friends, and Kita refuses. In the absence of supervision, Lamar starts a fire. In the aftermath, the children are placed with different families. These are generally okay, and Kita does her best to remain focuses and positive, but when another child beats her up and she is hospitalized, a more permanent solution comes forward. When her mother texts her, Kita is worried that she might come to a get together of the children, but things work out. It's not ideal, but Kita realizes that her mother is just not capable of giving her the care she deserves, and that she is actually much happier with her new situation.
Strengths: This was an excellent example of the Boxcar Children Effect; there's something appealing to middle school readers about characters who are abused or neglected but manage to remain strong and overcome their circumstances. The inclusion of helpful adults like twirl coach and assistant principal Dr. Sapperstein, a school counselour, and a social worker. There are also helpful discussions about coping strategies for anxiety, and about panic attacks. Despite all of her challenges, Kita is trying to do middle school activities and maintain her friendships, which is good to see. My favorite part was probably the description of how Kita's mother managed to come back from a difficult situation, have a stable homelife, and get a good job. Sadly, that didn't last for very long.
Weaknesses: While the concept of "shark teeth" (hyperdontia) is an interesting one and having this condition informs a lot of Kita's character, there could have been a little more explanation of this. Her fear of sharks tied in thematically, but there was so much going on in her life to make her anxious, even without this, that it wasn't all that necessary.
What I really think: This is a realistic look at a tween struggling with family problems, and will be a good choice for readers who like books where children are in trouble but stay strong, like Moranville's Forget-Me-Not Blue, O'Shaughnessy's Lasagna Means I Love You, and Farr's Pavi Sharma's Guide to Going Home. It's probably my favorite title by Winston, who also wrote The Braid Girls, Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution, and the Wednesday and Woof early chapter book series.
Sharkita's mother was very young when Sharkita was born, and has struggled with many aspects of parenting. She has also struggled with alcoholism, and Kita and her siblings (developmentally disabled Lamar and six year old Lilli) have spent time in foster care. Things have been stable for a while. The mother has taken money from an insurance settlement and bought a town home in a pleasant area, and even gets a job early in the book. Kita, though, is always afraid that things will go back to they way they were. She pays the bills, bathes and feeds her younger sibling, and makes sure that the house is always clean, just in case social service workers visit to assess how they are doing. Her grandmother is not helpful, and causes friction when she does get involved. Since things seem calm, Kita takes a chance and tries out for the baton twirling squad; her mother allows her do to this after school because she herself wasinvolved in the sport while in school. Kita is glad to hang out with her friend Niecy and have a bit of a "normal" tween experience, but it is always in the back of her mind that things could go wrong at any moment. This fear is even voiced by Lilli, which alarms Kita. Kita benefits from talking to the school counselor, and the school does know about her past and checks in with her, but she always tell them that things are fine. When her mother tells her that she will be gone overnight but will be back in the morning, Kita is more worried than ever, but her mother is true to her word and there when she says she will be. Social services is notified, and a caseworker who had met Kita when she was about three years old is sympathetic, but can find nothing concrete that is wrong. Eventually, however, the mother demands that Kita miss a social activity in order for the mother to go out with friends, and Kita refuses. In the absence of supervision, Lamar starts a fire. In the aftermath, the children are placed with different families. These are generally okay, and Kita does her best to remain focuses and positive, but when another child beats her up and she is hospitalized, a more permanent solution comes forward. When her mother texts her, Kita is worried that she might come to a get together of the children, but things work out. It's not ideal, but Kita realizes that her mother is just not capable of giving her the care she deserves, and that she is actually much happier with her new situation.
Strengths: This was an excellent example of the Boxcar Children Effect; there's something appealing to middle school readers about characters who are abused or neglected but manage to remain strong and overcome their circumstances. The inclusion of helpful adults like twirl coach and assistant principal Dr. Sapperstein, a school counselour, and a social worker. There are also helpful discussions about coping strategies for anxiety, and about panic attacks. Despite all of her challenges, Kita is trying to do middle school activities and maintain her friendships, which is good to see. My favorite part was probably the description of how Kita's mother managed to come back from a difficult situation, have a stable homelife, and get a good job. Sadly, that didn't last for very long.
Weaknesses: While the concept of "shark teeth" (hyperdontia) is an interesting one and having this condition informs a lot of Kita's character, there could have been a little more explanation of this. Her fear of sharks tied in thematically, but there was so much going on in her life to make her anxious, even without this, that it wasn't all that necessary.
What I really think: This is a realistic look at a tween struggling with family problems, and will be a good choice for readers who like books where children are in trouble but stay strong, like Moranville's Forget-Me-Not Blue, O'Shaughnessy's Lasagna Means I Love You, and Farr's Pavi Sharma's Guide to Going Home. It's probably my favorite title by Winston, who also wrote The Braid Girls, Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution, and the Wednesday and Woof early chapter book series.
February 19, 2025
A story that fits with others like The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman and And Then, Boom!, this features twelve year old Sharkita (aka Kita) who is taking care of her two younger siblings, including a brother with a disability, because her young mom disappears for days as a way to escape the trap of having children as a single mom or when she's present is frequently distant through drinking. Kita's mom often refers to Kita as her "ride or die", who will always watch out for the family even though Kita is the child. So it's physically and mentally hard which manifests for Kita in her cleaning habits but also being the best student she can be where she connects with several adults at school and where the community is starting to take notice of these habits to help Kita. Though she also does get bullied for her hyperdontia (or shark teeth).
It's a hard read but hopeful with decisions made for the best interest of the kids. At one point they'd already been taken into foster care. Will that happen again or is there another opportunity or will Kita's mother finally be the adult Kita and the other two need?
"Look at the photo, Sharkita." Dr. Charles holds up the picture of me once again. "Look at that little girl. Would you tell her that she doesn't deserve a mom? That she doesn't deserve a chance to be taken care of and feel normal?" "No, because I'm like three in that photo." "Well, guess what? You're still a child, Sharkita. And you still deserve to be taken care of. You have a lot of people around you who want to help take care of you, whenever you're ready. I want you to keep that in mind today."
It's a hard read but hopeful with decisions made for the best interest of the kids. At one point they'd already been taken into foster care. Will that happen again or is there another opportunity or will Kita's mother finally be the adult Kita and the other two need?
"Look at the photo, Sharkita." Dr. Charles holds up the picture of me once again. "Look at that little girl. Would you tell her that she doesn't deserve a mom? That she doesn't deserve a chance to be taken care of and feel normal?" "No, because I'm like three in that photo." "Well, guess what? You're still a child, Sharkita. And you still deserve to be taken care of. You have a lot of people around you who want to help take care of you, whenever you're ready. I want you to keep that in mind today."
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