A graphic novel, that is also a memoir, about a boy trying to overcome the toxic masculinity at his school.

I'm not sure what it was with this one, but it wasn't really for me. I was able to finish it, but the writing style never really captured me, and I also did not love the art. Those are both more personal preferences so though, so it might appeal more to others!

Very enjoyable read!

A graphic novel memoir about Paul's childhood in the 70s. When his best friend starts hanging out with a cool older kid, Paul feels like he needs to be bolder to keep their friendship -- starting with going to see Jaws. Paul is terrified and the shark ends up being a sort of mean Jiminy Cricket encouraging him to be a jerk.

This was funny and heartfelt, and the friendship dilemmas and struggles to fit in are just as relevant now.

I hate giving books bad reviews but this book was not good. The words used were not appropriate for my child at any age. It also didn't go anywhere really in the storyline. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I appreciated the author's experience and description of navigating masculinity and friendship in a time so different from what children in 2024 are experiencing. However, the illustrations were not to my style.

Not a title I’d recommend to my students. I think some would enjoy the idea of a graphic novel about sharks, but the plot is centred around the release of the Jaws movie and the MC’s anguish after being scared by the movie. Peer pressure etc.

Not a title I think students would enjoy - too many references to late 70s culture for today’s kids in my experience kids abandon these types of titles. I’m 40, am too young to remember Jaws in theatres and this book had lots of references that I didn’t grow up with…. A sign for the publisher?

I got halfway and didn’t feel compelled to finish it. Just wasn’t the right audience for this one, unfortunately.

A review was publicly posted on StoryGraph

This was such a cute little graphic novel with such a serious message. Paul doesn't want to admit how much he was affected by a scary movie about a shark. He knows intellectually that there are no sharks anywhere near him, and his friends are teasing him because they think it's funny.
When Paul ends up in a bad situation, he takes responsibility and finds his courage. He admits to himself and to his dad that he's responsible for his actions, and he banishes his fears.
It was really fun seeing the cultural references, like Kiss and Easy Bake Oven. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

My goodness! <i>Jaws</i> really did traumatize multiple <i>generations</i> of people!

I had a lot of fun reading Paul Gilligan’s <i>Boy vs. Shark</i>. While I don’t know that <i>Jaws</i> is such an incredibly prominent staple of this newest generation of children’s lives, I can definitely say with confidence that I experienced some of that secondhand trauma from how much that movie messed with people’s heads. We have a large chunk of society terrified of the ocean thanks to that film!

What really stood out to me about <i>Boy vs. Shark</i>, though—outside of the obvious movie references—was the overall message and growth our main character goes through. I cannot stress enough how much I view the development and learning experiences this character has as inherently important to young children out there.

We may not all understand the cultural significance of <i>Jaws</i> or the Easy Bake Oven, but we’ve all experienced peer pressure. We’ve all struggled to relate to our parents. We’ve all had those fearful and upsetting moments when we think we’re going to lose our best friends. We’ve all had the opportunity to learn to do what’s right rather than what is easy or what we’re scared into doing.

This is the sort of book that I could give to so many children and would be happy to do so. It’s the sort of book I’d want to have a conversation about, to help them learn with. It’s funny and engaging and relatable and could be just what the right kid needs at the right time.

So, if nothing else, thank you, Paul. Thank you for writing this. I can’t wait to give it to my students.

<i>I received an early copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

We had a blast reading Boy vs Shark! My son and I delved into this hilarious graphic memoir together, and it was a riot from start to finish. The illustration are fantastic, adding so much humor and charm to the story. It's a perfect choice for kids who love a good laugh and adventure!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read and will be a great book for kids to enjoy. The story was was so fun and the illustrations were great.