Shark Teeth

Twelve-year-old Sharkita has a lot on her shoulders. She has a sweet younger sister, Lilli, and brother, LaMar, who has special needs. She loves both of them, and it’s a good thing, because sometimes their mom, who drinks and parties too much, forgets to come home for days at a time. Then everything falls on Kita. As hard as she tries, sometimes everything spins out of control, and the kids end up in foster care.

This time, Mom promises that it won’t happen again and she is really good for quite a while, although Lilli never buys into it. Kita joins the dance/twirling team and starts to spend time with friends and have fun. Until everything falls apart again.

Sherri Winston has written a powerful story filled with wonderful characters and tension on every page. The story is, sadly, completely believable, and many kids will relate to the problems faced by Kita. Told in the first person by Kita, the voice is pitch-perfect. The adults in the book — other than the mother and grandmother — are supportive and helpful, acting as a safety net for Kita and her siblings, which will send a hopeful message to readers. Don’t miss this book!