If you're looking for a solid, accessible introduction to an animal and the ecological concerns surrounding it, Markle's books a a good place to start. Through the simple story of a pair of whale sharks in danger, Markle is able to introduce the reader to a wide variety of issues: the biology of sharks; how sea creatures get classified; how commercial fishing nets work; how scientists track and study sharks; how ocean species are affected by climate change; conservation efforts; the things we still don't know about this species. Each element is introduced and explored organically.

The Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks by Sandra Markle is the story of whale sharks—the largest fish on the planet. Facing threats from commercial fishing as well as climate change, they were categorized as endangered in 2016. Find out how scientists are working to study and protect these gentle giants of the ocean.

The Great Shark Rescue is another great book about animal mysteries by Markle. I enjoyed learning about the whale shark, and found it sad but interesting to learn about the danger they are in. There are still so many unanswered questions, but I am glad to know there are dedicated scientists using a variety of tools and technology to learn more and make a difference.The photographs and maps really brought the facts to life, and made the book come together. I like that Markle took the time to mention great white sharks and the sheer number of vulnerable or endangered species of sharks. The timeline, glossary, source notes, and recommendations for further reading make me happy (as always). Properly citing sources and encouraging further learning and reading are so important, and I find them sadly lacking in other children's nonfiction sometimes.

The Great Shark Rescue is an interesting and engaging read for children and adults interested in sharks, endangered animals, animal research, and related topics. Maybe it will inspire some more animal activists and/or researchers. It would be a great addition to school and public libraries.

Looking for nonfiction for children to enjoy I can recommend The Great Shark Rescue by Sandra Markle. The information is given about this species that I knew so little about, along with the problems that they have, Man intervention is also part of the book since man’s boats are also part of the problem for these giants. The text is given in not too large of text chunks accompanied by interesting close-up photographs and drawings.

This is the perfect nonfiction book for classroom libraries as well as for individual children who are interested in the animal kingdom. Third grade and up should have no problem reading the text. I found myself rereading and looking back over the photographs and illustrations so it is one that readers would be interested in reading more than once.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley!


My children and I both adored this book! It was a great mix of informational and easy to follow for the kids. The photos were great as well!

This terrific new book by Sandra Markle is all about whale sharks. Markle does an excellent job laying out why we need to care as well as detailing fascinating information about whale sharks using full color photos, charts, graphs, and timelines. I know my students are going to love this one!

EArc from netgalley.


This was an informative book about whale sharks, and how they are being endangered by different problems in the ocean (fishing, the seas warming, etc) I liked how there were a lot of illustrations, but it did seem a little disorganized to me.