Surfer of the Century

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku, written by Ellie Crown, is a Bluebonnet Nominee book. It is a non-fiction book about the life of Kahanamonku, who was a world record holder for swimming in the Olympics in 1921, 1920 and 1924. It gives details about his life and how growing up he struggled in school, but surfing and swimming became his passion. Surfing was not an Olympic sport, so when Duke was discovered for his surfing talent he was asked to try out in the swimming events for the Olympics. The book has a timeline in the end that gives the highlights of Duke Kahanamoku's life and the legacy that he left behind. I enjoyed this book and plan to use it in a lesson with my 5th grade students.

Crowe, Ellie (2007). Sufer of the Century. New York: Lee and Low Books.