 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Soul Surfer
- By Bethany Hamilton
- Genre: Biography
Common Sense Media says
Inspirational story of life after a shark attack.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book tells the true story of a girl who was attacked by a shark and loses her arm. In the book, Bethany remembers seeing a shadow of gray and then feeling a sharp pull on her arm. She then witnesses the water around her transform to red with her blood. There are lots of references to the Christian faith and Bethany quotes scriptures from the Bible. The message of Bethany's story is adversity can be overcome with optimism, and having faith will lead to success.
What's the story?
This is the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a 13-year old girl who lost her arm to a shark. She describes the frightening attack, but also talks about how she persevered after her injury. Only a month later she learned to surf again -- and then returned to pro surfing. Her story also inspired the movie of the same name.
Is it any good?
This is an inspirational story that may have special appeal to Christian tweens and teens. But even kids from different faiths will admire Bethany's strength and appreciate her message: adversity can be overcome with optimism, and having faith will lead to success. Bethany proves that a can-do attitude often leads to success -- and her true life story will give readers plenty to think and talk about.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the book's message about facing life’s challenges. Do you think you'd be able to respond to a life-changing tragedy the way Bethany does? How do you think she manages it?
This book inspired the movie of the same name. Families may want to compare and contrast the two. Which made a stronger impression on you?
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Kid, 12 years old
July 2, 2011
AGE
A must read. Not scary at all!
This is what I call a masterpiece. If you are over 8 years old and have not read this book, READ IT!!!!! I have never been surfing, and don't have very much interest in it, but this book is not all about surfing. It's more of an inspirational story. I am a HUGE Bethany Hamilton fan because I read this book. Parents, don't be tentative to let your children read this, because the shark attack is only about two short paragraphs, and says nothing gory in any way. Also, the characters in this book NEVER swear, which is a refreshing change from most of the books and movies out today. I love how the author of this book is who this really happened to. All in all, this book is a MUST READ!!!!!!!
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AGE
Sooooooooooooooooooooooo Inspirational!
My favorite movie. Soooo inspirational! It's hard not to cry. The only bad part is that the shark attack part was a little intense. Too intense for small children.
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AGE
MUST read!!!!!
Soul Surfer the book is about surfer Bethany Hamilton. She is a good role model because not only did she get back into the water but she also is a hardcore Christian. She shows plently of positive messages! Comsumerison is a bit of a factor she quotes Rip Curl and Angel Footwear a lot (her sponsers). This is TOTALLY a must read! The attack was pretty well explain but not very gory ,but nerve racking!
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AGE
READ IT.
I am in love with this book! I agree with Common Sense completely about how strong Bethany is, and how she is a great, amazing role model. Yes, the attack is very bloody, and she does describe it with details, but honestly, I don't think it would scare kids over 9. READ THIS, ESPECIALLY CHRISTIANS!!!!!!!
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Kid, 11 years old
October 12, 2011
AGE
Soul Surfer - Bethany is a great role model!!!
This book is fantastic!!! I love how Bethany put it all together! The attack is described in details, but Bethany is soooo calm about it and you know it's gonna turn out ok, so it's not scary. Great book!!!! Love Soul Surfer!
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Kid, 11 years old
November 19, 2011
AGE
GOOD LESSON
I think this is a good movie it is very tragic but it gives a good lesson never give up!!!!
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Kid, 11 years old
November 20, 2011
AGE
Must read
I read this book and it's awesome plus when she discribes the attack it doesn't seem as scary as it really would be (come on her arm was ripped of and eaten by a shark the size of a mini van)
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Kid, 11 years old
February 4, 2012
AGE
Not sad enough, like it should have been.
I don't think this was very well made. I think it could have been put together better. It kept making you feel like the shark was about to come, so you didn't know when it would, but it didn't convey any saddness or hardship that it must have been for that to happen. I don't really reccomend it. Not worth it.
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AGE
awsome girl
well i think it was pretty good well i think but not for kids under age 6 and im 11 so awsome
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Kid, 10 years old
April 1, 2012
AGE
Great
Amazing book and movie read the book and watch the movie
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| Author: | Bethany Hamilton |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Genre: | Biography |
| Publisher: | MTV |
| Publication date: | March 1, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 304 |
| Paperback price: | $8.53 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 |
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