I Survived The Shark Attacks of 1916: The Graphic Novel; Based on the original novel by Lauren Tarshis, adapted by Georgia Ball, artwork by Haus Studio

A gripping true to life story of a horrific encounter with one of nature’s greats and largely misunderstood animals.

With his parents moving around the country trying to make it rich, ten-year-old Chet Roscow is spending the summer with his Uncle Jerry. Not much happens in the little New Jersey town and when not working in the diner Chet and his three new friends head to the small creek to cool off. The boys are not the only ones who enjoy the creek. One of nature’s most terrifying predators has found its way miles from home and Chet is about to come face-to-fafe with a blood-thirsty killer…

Lauren Tarshis’ best-selling I Survived story of the same name gets the graphic novel treatment that brings all of the thrilling drama and surprise of the shark attacks of 1916 in a small New Jersey town vividly to life. Whilst based on true events, this is a fictionalised historic retelling. That doesn’t detract from anything though and readers are immersed into an era, thanks to some super period artwork, when little was known about sharks. Tales of ocean encounters with the great ocean-dwellers came from sea-faring folk whose stories were perhaps elaborated upon for entertainment purposes. A rich gentleman who was so convinced that sharks would not attack went one step further, leaping into the ocean for a swim with some and offering up a reward for proof of a shark attack on a humans.

Fans of the original I Survived series and graphic novel lovers are in for an absolute treat of a read full of facts and historical detail all delivered via adrenaline-charged storytelling that will have pages being turned quicker than a shark can swim. Back matter includes a non-fiction section of historical facts, photos, information about sharks and further reading material that may be of interest.

A subplot to the shark attack explores the friendship of the four boys and how the playing of pranks leads to mistrust and puts everyone at danger when warnings are unheeded that have deadly consequences.

Pacy, heart-racing, nerve-shredding fun.

Recommended for 8+.