Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Preface-Chapter 3

Reading Check

1. As described in the Preface, what’s the universal question at the heart of Hamilton’s story?

2. What type of shark attacked Hamilton?

3. In what state did Hamilton’s father, Tom, grow up?

4. In what state did Hamilton’s mother, Cheri, grow up?

5. What are the names of Hamilton’s two older brothers?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Hamilton opens the book with the line: “To be honest, I never wanted to write a book.” What does this simple statement say about Hamilton’s character and the nature of the story to follow?

2. Describe the morning of Hamilton’s accident. What was she doing beforehand?

3. As Hamilton explains in Chapter 3, how did her family influence her love of surfing?

Paired Resource

“Bethany Hamilton Short Documentary by – This Iz My Story”

• This 7-minute documentary from 2011 provides a brief look at Hamilton’s story. 
• This video touches upon the book’s themes of Resilience Is the Key to Dealing With Loss and Faith in God Enables You to Overcome Any Challenge.