Terry Fox and Me

Illustrated by Milan Pavlovic
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, this picture book biography tells the story of a friendship defined by strength and love.

Before Terry Fox become a national hero and icon, he was just a regular kid. But even then, his characteristic strength, determination and loyalty were apparent and were the foundation for his friendship with Doug. The two first met at basketball tryouts in grammar school. Terry was the smallest - and worst - basketball player on the court. But that didn't stop him. With Doug's help, Terry practiced and practiced until he earned a spot on the team. As they grew up, the best friends supported each other, challenged each other, helped each other become better athletes and better people. Doug was by Terry's side every step of the way: when Terry received a diagnosis of cancer in his leg, when he was learning to walk - then run - with a prosthetic leg and while he was training for the race of his life, his Marathon of Hope.

Written from Doug's perspective, this story shows that Terry Fox's legacy goes beyond the physical and individual accomplishments of a disabled athlete and honors the true value of friendship.
  • NOMINEE | 2021
    Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction
  • HONOR | 2021
    Silver Birch Award for Non-Fiction
  • SHORTLIST | 2021
    Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable - Information Book Award
One of the Ontario Library Association's 2020 Best Bets selection, Junior Non-Fiction category
A 2021 Bank Sreet Book of the Year


"Alward’s voice is gentle, often humourous, always admiring, and believably colloquial." --Highly Recommended, CM Reviews

About

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, this picture book biography tells the story of a friendship defined by strength and love.

Before Terry Fox become a national hero and icon, he was just a regular kid. But even then, his characteristic strength, determination and loyalty were apparent and were the foundation for his friendship with Doug. The two first met at basketball tryouts in grammar school. Terry was the smallest - and worst - basketball player on the court. But that didn't stop him. With Doug's help, Terry practiced and practiced until he earned a spot on the team. As they grew up, the best friends supported each other, challenged each other, helped each other become better athletes and better people. Doug was by Terry's side every step of the way: when Terry received a diagnosis of cancer in his leg, when he was learning to walk - then run - with a prosthetic leg and while he was training for the race of his life, his Marathon of Hope.

Written from Doug's perspective, this story shows that Terry Fox's legacy goes beyond the physical and individual accomplishments of a disabled athlete and honors the true value of friendship.

Awards

  • NOMINEE | 2021
    Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction
  • HONOR | 2021
    Silver Birch Award for Non-Fiction
  • SHORTLIST | 2021
    Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable - Information Book Award

Praise

One of the Ontario Library Association's 2020 Best Bets selection, Junior Non-Fiction category
A 2021 Bank Sreet Book of the Year


"Alward’s voice is gentle, often humourous, always admiring, and believably colloquial." --Highly Recommended, CM Reviews