Finding My Wave

Mia is nervous about the ocean this morning. She has come out early to surf with her abuela, and the crashing waves make her feel tiny while her stomach flips and churns. Getting past the whitewash feels like too much, and she finally tells her grandmother that she is scared.

Her abuelita doesn't brush the worry aside. She tells Mia that being afraid is perfectly fine, and that if she makes friends with her fears, they can turn into courage. With Lita beside her and those words to hold onto, Mia paddles out, finds her feet, and pops up on the board.

Then she is gliding across the water while her abuela cheers "¡Wepa!" and her heart races with joy. The feeling is like nothing else she has known, and she is already looking for the next wave, and the one after that.

Finding My Wave is a lyrical picture book by Alexandra Katona about facing fear, a grandmother's encouragement and the thrill of a first ride. It suits summer reading and sharing between grandparents and grandchildren.