Terry Fox and Me
Illustrated by Milan Pavlović
BEFORE TERRY FOX became a national hero for running the Marathon of Hope with a prosthetic leg, he was just a regular kid.
In fact, he barely made his elementary school basketball team — he was the smallest in the group! When Doug Alward met Terry at basketball tryouts, Doug didn’t think much of him. But Terry practised and practised, and with Doug’s help, he earned a spot on the team. It wasn’t long before they were best friends. The qualities that have made Terry an enduring hero — his strength, determination and loyalty — were apparent even then. He was also stubborn, sometimes quick to anger and always willing to share a laugh. Over the years, the two friends supported, challenged and 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 when 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 an extraordinary athlete. It is also a celebration of the true value of friendship.
The author will donate a portion of her royalties to The Terry Fox Foundation in support of Terry’s mission.
Penguin Random House Canada will donate to The Terry Fox Foundation a portion of the proceeds from Terry Fox and Me as well as 2,500 copies for distribution to schools across the country.
Awards and Praise:
2021 Bank Street Book of the Year
SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers Finalist
Silver Birch Express, Honour Book 2021
Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable – Information Book Award - Shortlist
Ontario Library Association 2020 Best Bet
CBC Books - Best Canadian Picture Books, 2020
Junior Library Guild Selection
Join author Mary Beth Leatherdale as she reads aloud from the book and talks about writing the story.
“Told in a voice that is thoughtful, believable, playful and full of admiration…”
— Highly Recommended, Canadian Children’s Book News
“Alward’s voice is gentle, often humourous, always admiring, and believably colloquial.”
–Highly Recommended, CM Reviews