The Science of Surfing: A Surfside Girls Guide to the Ocean
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sporty teen girls dive into ocean of fun and useful facts.

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What's the Story?
The Surfside Girls move from the supernatural adventures of their two previous graphic novels to real-life lessons in THE SCIENCE OF SURFING. Young surfers Sam and Jade host a fact-filled tour of ocean science, introducing such topics as marine biology, the physics of waves, and how to surf.
Is It Any Good?
Comics can be the perfect medium for nonfiction, and this engaging overview of ocean-related science is a good introduction to trekking through tidal pools and catching waves. Author-illustrator Kim Dwinell employs a pleasing doodle-like art style in The Science of Surfing, inviting readers to keep the pages turning. To keep the tone light, Dwinell uses jokes and character bits, and the result is a thoughtful and enlightening guide to the aquatic world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Science of Surfing emphasizes the importance of the oceans. Why are they endangered, and what can be done to protect them?
Surfing can be dangerous. What safety precautions do you need to take when you are first starting out?
What does it mean to be a "good steward"? What can you do to encourage good behavior at the beach?
Book Details
- Author: Kim Dwinell
- Illustrator: Kim Dwinell
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: STEM, Great Girl Role Models, Middle School, Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Top Shelf
- Publication date: July 6, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 112
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 14, 2021
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