Fins: A Sharks Incorporated Novel - Hardcover

White, Randy Wayne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 125024465X ISBN 13: 9781250244659

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2020

Synopsis

From Randy Wayne White, the New York Times bestselling author of the Doc Ford series for adults, comes Fins, a high-stakes, masterfully plotted story of courage, friendship…and sharks!

The world’s shark population is in trouble for a sad, simple reason: shark fin soup. And although it’s illegal, poachers have been targeting Florida’s biannual migration of blacktip sharks.

Marine biologist Doc Ford needs some assistance protecting the sharks and enlists the help of three kids―Luke, Maribel and Sabina. Luke is brand-new to Florida from the Midwest; sisters Maribel and Sabina have only recently arrived from Cuba―and all three feel like fish out of water. It’s going to take some convincing for them to work as a team and to recognize in themselves the courage, wisdom and tenacity that Doc sees in them.

Together they form Sharks, Inc. and are given an important assignment: to set out each day on their small fishing boat in hopes of tagging sharks for Doc’s research―and to stay away―far away―from any possible poachers in the area.

The trio certainly isn’t looking for trouble, but when they come face to face with danger, survival requires them to rely on each of their own unique gifts, and especially on one another.

About this title

About the Author

Randy Wayne White is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of the Doc Ford series. In 2011, White was named a Florida Literary Legend by the Florida Heritage Society. A fishing and nature enthusiast, he has also written extensively for National Geographic Adventure, Men's Journal, Playboy and Men's Health. He lives on Sanibel Island, Florida, where he was a light-tackle fishing guide for many years, and spends much of his free time windsurfing, playing baseball, and hanging out at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. Sharks Incorporated is his middle grade series, including Fins and Stingers.

Reviews

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.—Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Brighton District Library, Brighton, MI

Edition details

• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 125024465X
• ISBN 13: 9781250244659
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320