Bethany Hamiton was born in Hawaii in 1990. She learned how to surf at age three and entered the world of competitive surfing at age eight. She was good enough to get a sponsorship at age 10. (Meanwhile, I was 12 and doing nothing exciting.) In 2003, at age 13, Bethany was attacked by a Tiger Shark. This attack resulted in the loss of her left arm. The shark was caught about a mile away from the attack by some fisherman, who discovered surfboard pieces in its mouth. Police later determined the fragments were a match to Bethany's board. Bethany recounts her experiences regarding the attack and her desire to get back to surfing in this book. She has since continued to compete competitively.

I found this book to be really inspiring for a couple of reasons. It shows that children can have passions and work hard toward them. It also shows a determination and desire to overcome to continue doing thing you love to do, despite serious odds against you. For those of you interested in surfing, there is a museum called the California Surf Musuem that houses the swimsuit and surfboard Bethany Hamilton was wearing at the time of her attack, along with many other neat items. The book was just over 200 pages, so if you are looking for a quick read to help meet your goals that is also interesting...this might be for you.