Surfer of the Century by Ellie Crowe

Crowe, E. (2007). Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku. New York: Lee & Low Books.

This Bluebonnet nominee tells the life story of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890 - 1968). It takes place in Hawaii, on the Waikiki Beach, where he grew up. He was shy and not a good student. His first love was surfing, but he was also a strong swimmer. He developed the flutter kick, which has proven to be very successful. His dream was that surfing would become an Olympic sport. He broke many swimming world records, which surrounded him in controversy.  He traveled all over the world once he was recognized as a successful Olympic Swimmer, winning several Olympic medals. He enjoyed the honor of being the best, therefore he gave up swimming on the professional scene.  At the end of the book, there is a time line of events in his life. Some interesting facts: Duke continued to swim competitively, returning to Hawaii to serve as the Honolulu Sheriff. Once it became the 50th state, he became the official ambassador of Aloha. In 1984, posthumously,  he was inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame. He was called Surfer of the

    Century by Surfer Magazine. And finally he had a US postage stamp designed after him.

The illustrations add to the enjoyment of this Blue Bonnet book nominee. The illustrations reinforce the story of Duke.