Twenty-five years ago Terry Fox dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean and began his Marathon of Hope. To mark the anniversary, children’s author Maxine Trottier has compiled the first authorized account for children of Terry’s life.

Through an insightful mix of visual elements and an easy-to-read, chronological story, Trottier shows Terry’s development from an ordinary Canadian kid with optimistic tendencies to the determined, selfless young athlete who inspired millions to do their part for cancer research. Memorabilia, photos, and quotes displayed scrapbook-style add interest and support the text.

The remarkable attributes of Terry Fox became particularly apparent in 1976, after he began treatment for cancer and witnessed the suffering of other cancer patients. Trottier includes facts about the amazing chain of events that inspired him to take personal action, the details of his gruelling and often painful training program, and how Terry persevered, gained the support of the Canadian Cancer Society, and embarked on his Marathon of Hope. A map details Terry’s route, the distances run (noted in both kilometres and miles), and his arrival date for each destination.

Much of Terry Fox’s story is told in his own words, through inspiring quotations, postcards, and letters. Trottier’s book is a must for elementary school and public libraries, filling a longstanding need for biographies about Terry at this age and reading level. For children ready for a more detailed account of Terry Fox’s life, a bibliography for older readers and adults is included, as well as the address of the Terry Fox Foundation website. Royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to the Terry Fox Foundation and matched by the publisher.