Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands
on Goodreads (1,824)
What’s inside...
Neighborhood Sharks provides an in-depth look into the lives of great white sharks and the scientists who study them at California's Farallon Islands, located just twenty-six miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Author Katherine Roy documents her 2012 visit to the islands, where she observed shark tagging, seal attacks, and gained insights into the sharks' life cycle, biology, and habitat based on the latest research. The book offers an intimate portrayal of one of the ocean's largest and least understood predators.
Age
7-11
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the great white sharks such effective hunters?
How do the Farallon Islands provide a unique environment for sharks?
What feelings did you experience while learning about the sharks and their habitat?
Why do you think it's important for us to learn about sharks and other wildlife?
How can we help protect the habitats of creatures like the great white sharks?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the sharks and the Farallon Islands, validating their emotions and insights.
As you discuss the book, relate the shark's hunting strategies to everyday problem-solving scenarios to make the content more relatable.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to spark curiosity and deeper questions about marine life and ecosystems.
Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation and what actions your family can take to contribute towards environmental preservation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book educates children about the behavior and habitat of the great white sharks, fostering a respect for these creatures and their role in the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of conserving natural habitats and respecting wildlife, principles they can apply by participating in environmental conservation activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of scientific research
Explanation: By detailing the methods scientists use to study sharks, the book highlights the role of scientific inquiry and discovery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and possibly pursue scientific studies, fostering a curious and analytical mindset towards the natural world.
Example Lesson: Courage and curiosity
Explanation: The book portrays researchers who bravely study sharks up close, showcasing the courage required to learn about potentially dangerous animals.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and learn fearlessly about the world around them, understanding that knowledge often requires bravery.
Example Lesson: Ecosystem interconnectivity
Explanation: The narrative explains how great white sharks interact with other species and their environment, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing how their actions impact their surroundings and the importance of maintaining balance in nature.
Example Lesson: Conservation awareness
Explanation: The book addresses the threats faced by great white sharks due to human activities, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the impact of human behavior on wildlife and encourages them to advocate for and participate in conservation initiatives.