Kalk Bay has secrets and surprises.

James explores the beach and harbour, with its whales and fishing boats, the village clinging to the hillside, and the best revelation of all: meeting the grandmother he never knew he had. But hidden from view are the abalone poachers, to whom everyone turns a blind eye . . .

Yet, no secret is as hefty as the one James carries with him: the hideous birthmark that has kept him from the water all his life. Will he find the courage to overcome his fears?

This award-winning novel is a story of friendship, adventure and a journey of trust. When thirteen-year-old Grants dad disappears, the only clue to his whereabouts is R50 000 in a cell phone FLASH account. Rather than going to his uncle in Cape Town, Grant decides to run away to find his fisherman father. But before long he finds himself hurt and alone on a secluded West Coast beach. Desperate to remain hidden from the authorities, Grant seeks the help of Smiler and Ally; but can they be trusted? Winner of the Gold Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature (2007). This school edition of Sharkeys Son is included in the Department of Basic Educations National Catalogue for Senior Phase learners. It has been revised and updated with activities for pre-reading and post-reading, questions according to cognitive levels, glossaries and notes on the genre of the novel. Memoranda available online at www.tafelberg.com.