Sarah and the Big Wave: The True Story of the First Woman to Surf Mavericks

This stunning nonfiction picture book tells the inspiring story of Sarah Gerhardt, one of the first female big-wave surfers.

Have you ever seen a big wave? One that's twenty, thirty, forty, even fifty feet tall? Here's a better question: Would you ever surf a big wave? Sarah Gerhardt did--and this is her story.

Sarah and the Big Wave, a tale of perseverance and indomitable spirit, is about the first woman to ride the waves at Mavericks, one of the biggest and most dangerous surf breaks in the world.

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 05/11/2021
Pages: 34
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 11.10h x 8.70w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781250239488
Age: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513696 / Sarah and the Big Wave: The True Story of the First Woman to Surf Mavericks


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/01/2021
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2021
Booklist 05/01/2021 pg. 42
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2021 pg. 145

About the Author

Bonnie Tsui is a debut children's author and a writer for The New York Times. Her books for grown-ups include Why We Swim and the award-winning American Chinatown. She lives (and surfs) in the Bay Area.

Sophie Diao is an artist in San Francisco and illustrator of the picture book I Am the Wind. As research for Sarah and the Big Wave, she surfed a wave that she's pretty sure was over one foot tall. She loves illustrating natural wonders and is the talent behind many a Google Doodle.