Hang Ten! Surfing cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 4.6
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 3011
Points per Word 0.000166
Page Count 48
Points per Page 0.010417

Description

Young readers dive into the exciting world of surfing with this nonfiction reader, learning about the sport's history, culture, and the gear needed to ride the waves. The book explains essential safety practices, basic techniques, and the physics behind staying afloat, while integrating math challenges and clear images to support comprehension. Organized with chapters, a glossary, and an index, the text guides students through the fundamentals and helps them apply math skills in a real-world context. This accessible guide offers middle-grade learners a practical overview of surfing from preparation to riding the surf.

Quick Summary

If your kid's ever wanted to catch a wave or just loves the idea of spending time at the beach, this is a solid little read. Christine Dugan keeps things straightforward and energetic, walking through everything from picking the right board to understanding ocean safety because let's be real, that part actually matters. The photographs really pull you in and give you a genuine feel for what surfing looks and feels like, which makes it way more interesting than just reading descriptions. At an AR Level of 4.6 with just 0.5 points, it's perfect for middle graders who want something quick but still informative, and it works great as a first step before diving into something thicker on the sport. Parents will appreciate that it covers the real basics of staying safe in the water alongside the fun stuff, so it doesn't feel like just fluff. It's the kind of book a kid could power through in an afternoon and actually walk away knowing something useful. If you want more, "The Little Guide to Surfing" by Lauren Greenfield has a similar vibe but goes a bit deeper for kids who get hooked.