Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful tale of parentified tween's journey to being a kid.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SHARK TEETH by Sharri Winston is about Sharkita "Kita" Lloyd, a twelve-year-old girl who loves her younger siblings, Lilli and Lamar, hates sharks, and never knows if today is a day her mom will decide not to be a mom. Kita's mom is an alcoholic who leaves most of the mothering to Kita but has shown back up in their lives saying things will be better. Kita wants to believe her, especially when she gets the chance to join the twirling team at school, hang out with her best friend Niecy, and have fun talking with the nice twirling coach and Assistant Principal, Miss Kadejah. When things take a turn for the worse, Kita's support system goes into action to help her figure out how to feel safe and whole.
Is It Any Good?
This sobering but important story can teach readers of all ages about letting others care for you. The main character of Shark Teeth is a child who's been forced to be a parent to herself and her siblings, but readers will enjoy seeing her get to hang out with good friends and bond with trustworthy adults at school. It's incredibly rewarding to watch Kita as she realizes that she deserves to be a kid. While the content can be intense, it's never too graphic for tween readers, and Kita's spirit will have them rooting for her.
This story features a good-case-scenario of the foster care system with the siblings being separated, and each of them end up in happy, well-cared-for situations. Most adults involved, including teachers, psychologists, and social workers, do their best to ensure that Kita and her siblings are okay. While that may seem idealistic, and perhaps it's a bit implausible that Kita doesn't have more resentment or complicated feelings, for a middle grade audience, the heavy topics are aimed just right. The overall message -- about the possibility and power of breaking toxic family cycles -- stands even with the happy ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how different adults in Shark Teeth are trustworthy and safe for Kita. What makes them safe? How is Kita's mom different? Who are the safe adults in your life?
There aren't many scenes in the book that show Kita's mom drinking, but it's a big part of the story. How do we know that it's hurting Kita, Lilli, and Lamar?
Kita's mom is hurtful towards Kita, Lilli, and Lamar in different ways. What are the ways that an adult can show a kid that they are not a safe person to be around?
Kita shows compassion for her siblings throughout but especially when she decides they should stay with their different foster families. She's also very courageous in not lying to protecting her mother. How does her love for her siblings help her make these hard decisions?
What did you learn about anxiety and mental health, therapy, and coping skills?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury USA
- Publication date : January 16, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 11
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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