Close to Shore facts for kids
First edition cover
|
|
| Author | Michael Capuzzo |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916 History of New Jersey |
| Publisher | Broadway Books |
|
Publication date
|
2001 |
| Media type | Hardback Paperback |
| Pages | 317 |
| ISBN | 0-7679-0413-3 (hardback) |
| OCLC | 46565150 |
| 597.3/1566 21 | |
| LC Class | QL638.93 .C36 2001 |
Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence is a non-fiction book written by journalist Michael Capuzzo. It tells the true story of the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916. The book was published in 2001 by Broadway Books.
Contents
About the Book
Close to Shore dives into a series of unusual and scary events that happened over 100 years ago. It explores a time when people thought sharks were mostly harmless. The book shows how these events changed that idea forever.
What is it About?
This book is about a series of shark attacks that took place in 1916 along the coast of New Jersey. It describes the people involved and how these attacks shocked the entire country. The story also looks at how scientists and the public reacted to this sudden danger.
Who Wrote It?
The author of Close to Shore is Michael Capuzzo. He is a journalist, which means he is skilled at researching facts and telling true stories. Capuzzo spent a lot of time studying old records and news reports to make sure his book was accurate.
The True Story: 1916 Shark Attacks
The summer of 1916 was a very hot one. Many people went to the Jersey Shore to cool off and enjoy the ocean. What they didn't expect was a series of terrifying events that would make history.
What Happened?
Between July 1 and July 12, 1916, four people were killed and one was injured by sharks. These attacks happened in different places along the New Jersey coast. The first attack was in Beach Haven, and later ones occurred in Spring Lake and Matawan Creek.
Where Did It Happen?
The attacks started in the Atlantic Ocean, near popular beaches like Beach Haven and Spring Lake. What was really surprising was that some attacks also happened in a freshwater creek, Matawan Creek. This was very unusual for sharks and made people even more afraid.
Why Was It Important?
Before 1916, many people believed sharks were not a threat to humans. These attacks changed that view completely. They led to a new understanding of sharks and how dangerous they could be. The events also caused a lot of panic and fear across the United States.
Why Read This Book?
Close to Shore is a great book for anyone interested in history, true stories, or marine life. It helps readers understand a unique moment in time. It also shows how a natural event can have a huge impact on society.
Learning About History
The book gives you a peek into what life was like in America in 1916. It describes the "Age of Innocence," a time before major wars and many modern technologies. You learn about how people lived, what they believed, and how they reacted to a crisis.
Understanding Sharks
While the book focuses on the attacks, it also helps you learn more about sharks. It explores the mystery of why these attacks happened. It also touches on how our understanding of these powerful ocean creatures has changed over time.
