Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

• Genre: Nonfiction; young adult autobiography
• Originally Published: 2004
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 960L; grades 6-12
• Structure/Length: 15 chapters, preface, and end note; approximately 222 pages; approximately 3 hours, 45 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: The book recounts Bethany Hamilton's journey from a promising young surfer to a shark attack survivor fighting to regain her ability to surf. It narrates the attack that took her left arm, her recovery, and her determination to return to competitive surfing driven by her deep faith and support from her family.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Description of a shark attack and its aftermath; discussions of disability and recovery; strong religious themes

Bethany Hamilton, Author

• Bio: Born 1990; professional surfer from Hawaii; lost her left arm in a shark attack at age 13; made an inspiring comeback to professional surfing; uses her platform to inspire others and advocate for people with amputations; committed Christian; promotes a message of resilience and faith
• Other Works: Body and Soul: A Girl's Guide to a Fit, Fun and Fabulous Life (2014); Be Unstoppable: The Art of Never Giving Up (2018)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Faith in God Enables You to Overcome Any Challenge
• Community Is Critical to Surviving Hardships
• Resilience Is the Key to Dealing with Loss
• Fate Guides Life and Gives It Meaning