With regard to genre, Shark Bite certainly shares many characteristics with Strasser's three other novels (Grizzly Attack, Buzzard's Feast, and Gator Prey) published in the 1990s as part of a series titled "Against the Odds."

In all of these books the thematic focus is on adventures that feature young protagonists and their efforts to cope with extraordinary challenges. The literary strategy employed in these texts follows a clear structure of a chronological plot that eventually is resolved in an optimistic ending. Intended for the younger reader, the fast-paced stories are accordingly constructed through dialogue rather than extensive narrative chapters.

Several of Strasser's other novels, both for young and adolescent readers, deal with the topic of sailing. Among these, books such as Beyond the Reef (1989) and The Diving Bell (1992) take a prominent place. Both titles show similarities to Shark Bite with regard to the relevance...