Surviving a shark attack

“Missing an arm is like wearing a coat, a really big, hot, ugly coat/ that I can’t take off./Ever./ It’s all that people see.” The victim of a shark attack, 15 year-old Jane works to put her life back together after having her arm amputated above the elbow. Once an aspiring artist, now Jane can’t imagine what she will do with her life. And she can’t imagine how she will ever feel comfortable or fit in around people again. Even her friends seem awkward around her. Written in verse, Jane’s story is told with an intensity and sparseness of language that makes it unforgettable. Shark Girl is a quick read sure to make an impression on teen readers ages 12 to 16.