Ellie Crowe, illustrated by Richard Waldrep,
Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku
Lee & Low Books, 2007.

Ages 4-8

Outside of Hawaii few kids may know about Duke Kahanamoku, but hopefully this new illustrated biography will change that.

Duke is a well-known name among surfers because he personally introduced the traditional Hawaiian sport to the mainland US and Australia: but it was his outstanding swimming ability that formally introduced him to the rest of the world.  Growing up in Waikiki, Oahu, around the turn of the twentieth century, long before the impact of tourism on the island, Duke spent his days in the water.  In 1911 a swim coach named Bill Rawlins spotted him swimming and set his sites on turning him into a champion.

Duke trained hard.  By the time the first Amateur Athletic Union-sanctioned swim meet came around later that year, he swam so fast that national AAU officials in New York didn't believe the stats presented from the race.  However, the officials were sufficiently intrigued to invite Duke to come to the mainland to try out for the 1912 Olympic Games.

Once there, he discovered that it wasn’t easy for a dark-skinned Hawaiian to get around: he was often treated rudely and was refused service in most restaurants.  He persevered, however, and made the Olympic team easily.  He went on to win medals in both the 1912 and 1920 Olympics.

The combination of a gentle spirit, modesty, and incredible talent earned Duke friends and fans wherever he went.  He became a true hero when he rescued eight drowning fisherman in Southern California, where he lived from 1922-1930. He later returned to Hawaii as a beloved son and served as Sheriff of Honolulu until 1960, when he was appointed "official state of Hawai'i Ambassador of Aloha."

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.  Richard Waldrep's gorgeous illustrations, reminiscent of the art deco airbrush paintings you often see in "Tiki-style" collections, perfectly compliment Duke's story.  Looking at these pictures, you can almost feel the cool water, warm sunshine, and soft breezes of Hawaii.  Let's go!

Jeannine Stronach
January 2008