Shark Quest: Protecting the Ocean's Top Predators

by Karen Romano Young

Sharks are in trouble. Fifty shark species are at high risk of extinction, and another sixty-three are threatened. These intelligent, mysterious―and sometimes scary―fish evolved about 420 million years ago. They have adapted to survive deep in the ocean and in shallow-water habitats. Commercial fishing and finning are threatening shark populations. So is water pollution. Marine biologists and others, including young people, are working together to save these fascinating predators. Discover the work of scientists and conservationists as they study shark biology and morphology; research migration, feeding, and mating patterns; delve into human, climate, and other threats to shark habitat; and develop sophisticated technologies to aid sharks and shark research. See how scientists also educate the public about real and imagined fear of sharks and encourage citizen participation in shark conservation efforts. Learn about high-tech tagging for tracking shark migration paths. Discover the autonomous underwater vehicles and drones that divers use to observe and photograph sharks up close. Visit shark sanctuaries in the South Pacific Ocean. You'll even meet the Shark Lady, a.k.a. Eugenie Clark, a pioneer ichthyologist (shark scientist). Through research and advocacy, people around the world are working to protect―and admire―sharks. "[A]n engaging, well-researched book about a much maligned species of fish that deserves our protection."― Booklist "A remarkably thorough tour of the world of sharks and marine scientists' efforts to educate the public about our ocean's apex predators."― Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Nonfiction, Juvenile

128 pages, Library Binding

Published August 1, 2018

About the author

Karen Romano Young is the author of young adult novels as well as nonfiction books and magazine articles. Although Small Worlds: Maps and Mapmaking is her first book for Scholastic, she has contributed to Scholastic magazines for the past twenty years. Her other credits include Cricket, National Geographic World, and The Guinness Book of World Records.

Member: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Authors Guild, National Marine Educators Association.

Honors Awards: Smithsonian Best Book Award, and Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Gold Medal, both 2002, both for Small Worlds: Maps and Mapmaking.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a number of reasons, sharks are becoming endangered. This book details some misconceptions about sharks, types of sharks, how/why they are endangered, and what we can do to help them. Lots of full color photographs. Even as someone who is not a big fan of sharks and would put them right after snakes on my fear list, I felt sorry for them and the atrocities they have suffered at the hands of humans. Shark fin soup especially - seriously, just cut the fins off and then throw the still living (but for how long) shark back in the water? How inhumane are we??? Sharks truly are a vital part of the circle of life and we are disrupting it drastically; the effects are already showing. We need to do something about it. Book was effective as a call to action.

[anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a book for people who want to know more about sharks and go into full detail. Although.. it can feel a bit long for me. It was very informational and good for the conservation and protection of these beautiful animals!

[Megan Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a little harder to get through than Whale Quest which I loved.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this, it was great, 🦈💙💚💙.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and fun!

[Shauna Yusko · Rating 4 out of 5]

And I can pair some of my favorite books with this!!

[Abbi Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that Shark Quest was a very well written book. I learned things I didn't know before and was super excited to learn all this new information! I am a huge fan of sharks, not sure why, just have always loved them and having the chance to read such a cool book definitely made my love grow!