Maya and the Beast

While everyone else in her town is scared of “the Beast,” the giant wave heard all around the world as it crashes into the shoreline, Maya finds the noise comforting, the curves of the wave soothing. If she could only tame it, then everyone could see all the beauty it has to offer. With a pink surfboard and a determined heart, Maya will be the first girl to meet the Beast head-on. Professional surfer Maya Gabeira, known for surfing Guinness World Record–breaking big waves, shares her story of resilience, defying expectations of women in sports, and daring to achieve the impossible. Beautifully illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, Maya and the Beast is an empowering reminder that every fear can be conquered, and every Beast can be tamed. “Both text and illustrations offer a stirring account of Maya’s journey to surfing mastery . . . A rallying cry for anyone looking for a strong example of perseverance.” —Kirkus Reviews “The frenetic energy of azure waves fill the pages of Kaulitzki’s digital illustrations, which make palpable the ebullience that tan-skinned Maya feels when surfing.” —Publishers Weekly