Fauja Singh Keeps Going
The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon
-
- $7.99
-
- $7.99
Publisher Description
The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community.
Every step forward is a victory.
Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn't allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn't stop him. Working on his family's farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential.
He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race.
With exuberant text by Simran Jeet Singh and exhilarating illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, the true story of Fauja Singh reminds us that it's both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fauja Singh has defied expectations all his life. This book follows him as he takes his first steps at five, grows up to run his own farm, emigrates from India to England as an 81-year-old, and takes up running as an even older man, completing the London marathon six times. Whenever he encounters naysayers, Singh writes, "Fauja did not listen and Fauja did not stop." Instead, he keeps his mother's encouragement close: "You know yourself, Fauja, and you know what you're capable of. Today is a chance to do your best." As a response to discrimination against Sikhs in the U.S., Fauja runs the New York City Marathon at age 93: "He couldn't read. He couldn't write. He couldn't speak English. But he could run." Though he finishes that race in pain, he keeps racing, in 2011 becoming the first 100-year-old person to run a marathon. Singh's uplifting tale is supported by Kaur's sensitive illustrations of emotionally resonant moments, like Fauja's mother lovingly combing his long hair. Ages 4 8.
