Boy vs. Shark

Tundra’s Best Books of 2024 as chosen by Kirkus Reviews
One of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens, Spring 2025

PRAISE FOR Boy vs. Shark:

“An authentic and funny look at masculinity and growing pains that resonates across the decades.” —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

“Gilligan powerfully explores shifting middle-grade friendship, exquisitely illustrating feelings of fear, anxiety, and joy in simple but expressive cartoon artwork.” —STARRED REVIEW, Booklist

“This hilarious look into life as a kid in the summer of 1975 is a must-have for any and all middle grade libraries.” —STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal

“Perfectly relatable for kids (and/or anyone who has ever been a kid), Gilligan’s Boy Vs. Shark is a fun exploration of childhood fears, anxieties about growing up and how we often start worrying far earlier than we need to.” —J. Caleb Mozzocco, School Library Journal

“There are lots of great messages in this book about growing up, making new friends, overcoming fear and self-doubt, connecting with family, forgiveness, and much more.” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“[A] sweet, funny, and closely observed memoir.” —Youth Services Book Reviews