New York Times Bestselling Author Lauren Tarshis; Art by Haus Studio
The family and I went on a short kick a few years ago of reading through a handful of the I Survived books by Lauren Tarshis. While I had hoped that the books would supply readers with techniques for survival during different catastrophes rather than simply fictionalizing the happenstance experiences of random characters, the stories are still exciting and engaging, and they offer windows into historical events that kids would otherwise not get.
I just think the books should be called, “I Didn’t Die” rather than “I Survived.” Six of one, perhaps.
I read the novel I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 long before I ever knew there were graphic novels available, so the story itself wasn’t that much of a surprise to me. Chet, a boy living with his uncle several miles inland from the north Atlantic, has found it hard to make friends. Then during the hot summer, some boys invite him to swim in the creek. After some pranks threaten to destroy their blossoming friendship, a dangerous catastrophe throws them together in an unforgettable way: shark attacks along their very own waterway.
As I mentioned in previous reviews of graphic novels from this series (I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944 and I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912), the Haus Studio team does a stellar job on these projects. The colors are bolder than you’ll see in most graphic novels, and it seems clear that much of this was done digitally, but they capture the story with an expert hand. I personally like their paneling choices, from full-page panels to pages filled with a variety of panels up to seven. Memories are offset with wavy outlines, while angular panels set the pace in action sequences.
I read this book in one sitting, and it didn’t disappoint—even though I already knew the story. Both my kids read it as well, though my son (11) admitted he mostly just looked at the pictures…a practice I don’t recommend. I look forward to getting my hands on more graphic novels from this series and recommend them highly for middle-school aged readers.
©2022 E.T.
Read More from Lauren Tarshis:
- I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis (2010)
- I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 by Lauren Tarshis (2012)
- I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis and Haus Studio (2020)
- I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis and Haus Studio (2020)
- I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis (2021)