Shark Teeth

I found Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston when searching online for recommendations of new middle grade books. The book description says, "Sharkita 'Kita' Hayes is always waiting. Waiting for her mama to mess up. Waiting for social services to be called again. Waiting for her and her siblings to be separated. Waiting for her worst fear to come true. But Mama promises things are different now. She's got a good job, she's stopped drinking, stopped going out every night--it's almost enough to make Kita believe her this time. But even as Kita's life is going good, she can't shake the feeling that everything could go up in flames at any moment. When her assistant principal and trusted dance coach starts asking questions about her home life, Kita is more determined than ever to keep up appearances and make sure her family stays together--even if it means falling apart herself.  As the threat of her family being separated again circles like a shark in the water, the pressure starts to get to Kita. But could it be that Kita's worst fear is actually the best thing that could happen to her family . . . and to her?"

This was SUCH a good book! The book pulled me right in, and I often wanted to pick up the book to read more. I loved Kita as a character and thought the author did a wonderful job making her real. She went through such difficult things, and I loved her relationship with her siblings, her best friend, and the wonderful adults at her school. The book had me crying at the end, and I just loved the balance of the ending between happily ever after and realistic. Great read. 

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)