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Surfer of the Century

By Ellie Crow; illustrations by Richard Waldrep

One of the reasons that I love writing about picture books is the element of discovery. Sure, there are books that I personally love and want young readers and their families to discover and enjoy.

But, every once in a while comes a picture book that I get really excited about and wonder how it eluded me. Sometimes, it’s the narrative; sometimes the art, but always it’s the discovery of a story or a person that leads me to say, “How did I miss this one?”

“Surfer of the Century” is such a book. Ellie Crowe uncovers for young readers the true story of Duke Kahanamoku. And Richard Waldrep’s definitively drawn water-colored paintings bring Duke and his journey, boldly to life.

It is a story of overcoming odds with fierce and quiet tenacity in this young Hawaiian’s struggle to become an Olympic competitor multiple times in swimming. It is an inspirational story, and I know it will be that for any young reader or parent that turns the pages of this uniquely told and illustrated story.

Duke also became one of the great surfers in history that helped put the sport on the map. But more than that, he had the talent, technique, tenacity and timing to put it all together to set and win Olympic world shattering records in swimming.

In 1912, and 1920, he won gold in the 100-meter freestyle. He would have competed in Berlin in 1916, but the Olympic games were cancelled because of the World War.

One of my favorite stories in the book is one that surely teaches what sportsmanlike conduct is all about.

Duke showed up late for his event in the 1912 Olympic Games held in Stockholm, Sweden: the popular 100-meter freestyle. He overslept! All hope gone? Training wasted? Maybe. But who speaks up to the unsympathetic Olympic official in order to allow Duke to compete?  Cecil Healy does. He was the then Australian star swimmer and Duke’s chief competition! Cecil refuses to swim unless Duke is allowed to compete in the true spirit of competition.

Will the official relent? Will Duke be allowed to compete? Will he win? Will Cecil?

And how’s this for something the Beach Boys could have written a song about? In 1917, Duke rode a humongous wave, called a “Bluebird” that rose thirty-two feet far out in the ocean, on Waikiki Beach. Duke rode it for one and three quarter miles!

Did you know that in 2002, a Duke Kahanamoku commemorative stamp was issued by the United States Postal Service?

As summer draws to a close, if you and your young reader are taking one last dip in the ocean before the leaves begin to fall, ride a boogie board or surf along, and perhaps end the day with a read called, “Surfer of the Century.”

Duke’s story is worth the ride!

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku by Ellie Crow, illustrated by Richard Waldrep

Reading level: Grades 3-4
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (October 31, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1584302763
ISBN-13: 978-1584302766
Source of book: Review copy from publisher


Duke Kahanamoku was born in Hawaii in 1890 and learned how to swim when he was four years old. He could be found in the ocean swimming and surfing nearly every day from that point forward. Though he struggled in school, his swimming talent was extraordinary. So much so that he went onto win Olympic gold and became a hero and role model to people all over the world.

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku chronicles Duke's story in a manner approachable to children. Through a chronological account of his life, Ellie Crow presents Duke as a talented, courageous, kind, and humble person. His courage and determination especially shine through as he is faced with racism when he travels to different US cities to qualify for the Olympics. The main focus of the book, however, celebrates the life of Duke Kahanamoku and introduces him to young readers who may have never heard of him before.

Richard Waldrep's brilliantly-colored "art-deco like" illustrations perfectly compliment the story, giving it a nostalgic feel. A time line and world map in the back highlight key events in Duke's life.

This would make a great choice for children who are interested in biographies, swimming, and surfing, and for boys who are looking for strong male role models. Social studies and language arts teachers can also use it as a supplemental resource in lessons about the Olympics, notable Asian/American figures, WWI, and discrimination.

Visit the Nonfiction Monday roundup at Picture Book of the Day.

What Other Bloggers are Saying:

Papertigers.org: "At a time in American history when racism was widely acceptable, Duke Kahanamoku overcame the dual stigmas of being both poor and dark-skinned to achieve athletic excellence and to earn the respect and admiration of people all over the world. Ellie Crowe's lovingly crafted biography should inspire many readers to follow his example." (Read more...)

BookMoot: "Duke's Creed of Aloha is a fitting ending to an excellent biography of a man who always exhibited good sportsmanship and Olympic ideals. Richard Waldrep perfectly illustrates the story with wonderous full color illustrations that evoke vintage art deco travel posters." (Read more...)

If you have a review of Surfer of the Century, leave a comment with the link, and I'll post it here.

What do a little girl who dreams of becoming a sushi chef and a young boy whose ambition is to be the world’s best surfer have in common? Both are the subjects of two exceptional picture books, and both have been chosen by Kiriyama Prize judges to be on the list of Notable Books for 2008.

Hiromi’s Hands by Lynne Barasch and Surfer of the Century by Ellie Crowe have still more in common. They are both true stories, they have both been published by Lee & Low Books, and each one was reviewed in the past year by Papertigers. In the tradition that Lee & Low Books have made their trademark, both books have the arresting illustrations and clarity of text that make them attractive read-alouds, yet are interesting and informative enough to appeal to older readers–including Kiriyama judges!

This year’s list of Notable Books features three memoirs that, while not specifically intended for young adults, may well appeal to adolescent readers. Stealing Buddha’s Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen, The Thorn of Lion City by Lucy Lum, and Hapa Girl by Maylee Chai, all in different ways and in different places, tell very personal, and at times emotionally wrenching, stories of growing up and finding a place in the world.

In the more than ten years that the Kiriyama Prize has been in existence, books for young readers have appeared on the Notable Lists, which can be found on the Kiriyama web site. For readers of all ages, this is a splendid place to look when hunting for reading recommendations.

Every now and again, you read the news and wonder about the bits they leave out. I mean, when a man robs a bank disguised as a tree, and according to the Associated Press, "He really went out on a limb," police Sgt. Ernie Goodno said Sunday. There has to have been more to the police briefing than that. Probably at least a "We hope this will teach him to leaf banks alone," a "He had to bough before the might of the law," and "It was like an episode of Copse". The public has a right to know.