• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Explore the latest science about sharks.

Did you know that some sharks have friends? Or that there are sharks small enough to swim in a soup can? There are sharks who can walk on land and others who make their own light. There are ancient sharks who lived in the oceans millions of years ago, and new species who have just been discovered. Most importantly, did you know that most sharks are fighting for their survival?

Sharks Forever takes a deep dive into the lives of sharks––their habitat, biology, habits and personalities. It also looks at the biggest threats to their existence, from marine pollution and overfishing to bycatch and shark-fin soup. It goes beyond the bites and shares stories about people who swim with sharks and call them friends.

Mark Leiren-Young is a writer, documentary filmmaker, playwright, podcaster and orca activist. His book The Killer Whale Who Changed the World won the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada general audience book award. He wrote, directed and produced an award-winning documentary The Hundred-Year-Old Whale, and his documentary about Moby Doll is being produced by Middle Child Films. Mark hosts Skaana, a podcast about orca and ocean stories and is actively involved in the fight for the survival of the endangered southern residents. Mark has written for other young audiences for ABC, PBS, YTV, Treehouse and BBC Kids. His books for young readers include Big Whale, Small World, Orcas of the Salish Sea and the City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize winner, Orcas Everywhere. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

“Mark Leiren-Young is the kind of author who produces trustworthy works of nonfiction that will both entertain and educate children.”–CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Mark Leiren-Young's profile page

• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Commended, Children's Book Council Librarian Favorites Award
• Commended, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award (GEBA) - Honor Book
• Commended, BC Books for Schools

“Provides compelling information and new perspectives on sharks, one of the world’s most feared predators. Author Mark Leiren-Young targets young learners with accurate and critical research to break down the barriers of misinformation and stereotypes that have directly impacted the survival of sharks all around the world. The thoroughness and clarity with which this text has been created and the many perspectives it offers to the reader make it a valuable cross-curricular resource and topic for further inquiry.”

BC Books for Schools

“A passion for sharks shines through…A great addition to a unit on ocean life, ecosystems, apex predators, or conservation.”

Children's Literature

“Dramatic photos, real-life stories, surprising facts, and ideas of how to help save sharks keep kids engaged...a fascinating introduction to an awe-inspiring animal that should be revered not feared.”

Hakai Magazine

“A wealth of fascinating research about sharks...If you weren’t a fan of sharks before reading Sharks Forever, you will undoubtedly come away with a new perspective. This up-to-date and comprehensive book will go a long way in convincing readers of the value of one of the world’s top predators and its rightful place in ocean ecosystems. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials