Gr 4-6–Wright, author of the best-selling “Doc Ford” series for adults, makes his middle grade debut with this Florida adventure. Three kids, new to Florida, are recruited by Doc Ford to tag sharks. Sisters Maribel and Sabina escaped from Cuba and now live with their mom on a houseboat. Luke, a farm boy from Ohio, moved to Florida to live with his grandfather. They form the group Sharks, Incorporated. Luke, struck by lightning at the beginning of the story, suddenly develops heightened senses and can communicate with animals. He can also see people’s emotions as colors, which serves him well when the three stumble upon a band of poachers who have been killing sharks for shark-fin soup. If the kids survive the storm—and the poacher—they may end up with a $50,000 reward.
VERDICT Lots of details about boats and shark-tagging, plus a slow buildup to the real action, make this best suited to kids with a keen interest in sharks, or adult fans of the “Doc Ford” series who may enjoy the character cameos. Perhaps future installments will hold more of the promised adventure.
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