This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Duke Kahanamoku, the six-time Olympic swimming champion and a legendary surfer who popularized surfing around the world. Growing up in Hawai'i with the Pacific Ocean as his backyard, Duke Kahanamoku learned to swim and surf at a young age. By his early twenties, Duke's lightning-fast swimming won him a place on the 1912 United States Olympic team and a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle race. Over the years Duke struggled with racism and financial troubles, but by the end of his twenty-year Olympic career, he was a six-time medal winner. Although he became a swimming champion, Duke's real passion was surfing. He traveled the world, introducing surfboarding to Australia and the east and west coasts of the United States. Considered the father of modern surfing, Duke spread his love of the ocean and Hawai'i wherever he went. The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku introduces young readers to a man who was beloved for his modesty, sportsmanship, and amazing skill in the water. Today Duke remains a legendary waterman and an inspiration to all to live life with aloha. This chapter book in our "Story" line includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading. Gr 3-6-This new addition to the biography series highlights a Hawaiian hometown hero and a surfing and swimming legend. This slim but informative text covers Kahanamoku's life, from ocean-hungry and broke "beachboy" through several Olympic games to his later years as Honolulu sheriff. Crowe details the ins and outs of surfing and swimming and the challenges and adventures Kahanamoku faced as an athlete and a dark-skinned ­Hawaiian. Short inserts offer brief histories of Hawaii and the Olympics, the career of fellow athlete Jim Thorpe, and more. The writing is simple and direct, and Crowe doesn't shy away from exploring complex issues and using more advanced vocabulary, much of which is defined at the end of the book; a time line and an extensive bibliography are appended. Waldrep's illustrations add movement and humanity to this loving portrait of a fascinating life. ­VERDICT A good fit for confident readers, and for fans of the "Who Was?" series.-Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Libraryα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Praise for Ellie Crowe's Books:Father of modern surfing, who battled racism, politics and financial difficulties on his way to becoming a gold- and silver-medal-winning Olympic swimmer.. Waldrep's stunning Art Deco-style airbrush illustrations complement this rich picture. --Kirkus Reviews biography brings to light a seminal figure in the history of surfing and Olympic swimming. ... a portrait of a man whose humility, good nature, and hard work allowed him to forge a path of success despite a background completely lacking in privilege --The Horn Book Guide ..Crowe depicts his encounters with racial discrimination with sensitivity, underscoring the courage and character he developed to face these setbacks...vibrant, action-filled illustrations... Well researched and fact-filled. -- Starred Review --School Library Journal Inspiring and poignant ...Bloomsbury Press Hard to put down ...Asian American Press Page-turning drama...The Star Advertiser An intense, emotional story...The Sacramento Bee A gripping, emotional story...Online Book Club There were parts of this book that even scared ME...Misty, Hawaii BookBlog An inventive tale, charmingly told, that challenges kids tobe creative, independent, can-do thinkers. ,,, David Rensin, author of All fora Few Perfect Waves This new addition to the biography series highlights a Hawaiian hometown hero and a surfing and swimming legend. This slim but informative text covers Kahanamoku's life, from ocean-hungry and broke "beachboy" through several Olympic games to his later years as Honolulu sheriff. Crowe details the ins and outs of surfing and swimming and the challenges and adventures Kahanamoku faced as an athlete and a dark-skinned ­Hawaiian. Short inserts offer brief histories of Hawaii and the Olympics, the career of fellow athlete Jim Thorpe, and more. The writing is simple and direct, and Crowe doesn't shy away from exploring complex issues and using more advanced vocabulary, much of which is defined at the end of the book; a time line and an extensive bibliography are appended. Waldrep's illustrations add movement and humanity to this loving portrait of a fascinating life. ­VERDICT A good fit for confident readers, and for fans of the "Who Was?" series. ------SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW Ellie Crowe has written several award-winning children's books, as well as travel/cultural books on Hawai'i. Her titles have been recognized with the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature and on the Texas Bluebonnet Master List. Crowe fir