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Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon
The inspiring 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 inspiring 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.
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 inspiring 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.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2020
7 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
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February 3, 2022
At age 81, Fauja Singh moved to England to be with his family and began running. At 93 years old he ran the New York City Marathon. By the time he was 100, he was still running, breaking records, and was the first at his age to complete the 26.2 mile race on October 16, 2011 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 5.9 seconds.
As a child growing up in Punjab, India, Fauja could not walk until he was five years old. At 15 years old, he finally was able to walk a mile.
At 108 years old, he stated, “my secret to a long and healthy life has been taking care of my mind, body, and soul. Every day, I challenge myself to think, exercise, eat healthy and pray.” He has attributed his success and identity to his Sikh faith.
Fauja never gave up and kept trying. He believed in himself. My parents are still active, curious, and adventurous despite their aliments. Countless times I have heard people say that their parents or they are too old to travel, to expand their house, to move, to learn a new trade, take up a new hobby, or learn something new. Don’t ever let age limit you. You are never too old.
Born on April 1, 1911, he is now 110 years old. I wish him many more birthdays. He is a remarkable inspiration to us all. I loved the mixed media artwork.
As a child growing up in Punjab, India, Fauja could not walk until he was five years old. At 15 years old, he finally was able to walk a mile.
At 108 years old, he stated, “my secret to a long and healthy life has been taking care of my mind, body, and soul. Every day, I challenge myself to think, exercise, eat healthy and pray.” He has attributed his success and identity to his Sikh faith.
Fauja never gave up and kept trying. He believed in himself. My parents are still active, curious, and adventurous despite their aliments. Countless times I have heard people say that their parents or they are too old to travel, to expand their house, to move, to learn a new trade, take up a new hobby, or learn something new. Don’t ever let age limit you. You are never too old.
Born on April 1, 1911, he is now 110 years old. I wish him many more birthdays. He is a remarkable inspiration to us all. I loved the mixed media artwork.
August 23, 2021
Oh my stars, I absolutely love this book! I don't feel I can write an adequate review right now because my heart is so full. I highly recommend it to everyone! It is the one of the first* children’s books from a major publisher to center on a Sikh protagonist and it’s about the first 100-year-old ever to run 26.2 miles. I wanted to cheer just knowing that, then the story itself is so inspiring and beautiful. It is a story about believing in yourself, daring to pursue your own happiness and break through barriers (at any age!) and giving your best to brighten the lives of others.
Fauja could not walk until he was five years old. But, he believed in himself, and his parents believed in him, too. Every morning, he would listen to his mother, who said, "You know yourself, Fauja, and you know what you're capable of. Today is a chance to do your best." He eventually grew strong enough to have his own farm (despite naysayers saying he never would be able to farm) and had a happy life, eventually marrying and having a family. He didn't leave his village in Punjab until he was 81 years old and went to live with his children in England. Running was a way for him to feel happy instead of homesick, to make friends instead of feeling lonely, and (after he became famous) to share a positive message and be a role model. Fauja's Sikh faith is integrated so lovingly in both the text and illustrations. I had tears in my eyes when I read of him signing up for the world's biggest marathon (in New York City) just two years after 9/11 because he heard of people in America attacking Sikhs for how they looked. "Fauja knew this was wrong and he wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how to share his message. He couldn't read. He couldn't write. He couldn't speak English. But he could run... and at once, Fajua knew what he had to do." He ran the marathon at age 93 -- he ran for his Sikh brothers and sisters around the world! Later, at age 100, he ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, running 26.2 miles in just over eight hours. His humbleness and bright spirit shine through the story. I am happy the afterward includes a photograph of him, as well as further information on the Sikh religion and the records that Singh set with his running.
I can't seem to find the words to express how much this story moved me. So, I will be quiet and let Fauja and the author speak instead.
In the Forward, Fauja Singh says to the young readers, "All my life, people set limitations on me. They said I would never walk. Then they said I would never farm. They certainly never thought I would set records with my running. No matter what people said, I always believed in myself. I knew my body better than anyone else. I knew what I was capable of. I kept trying. I never gave up. And I always held on to hope. [...] My secret to a long and healthy life has been taking care of my mind, body, and soul. Every day, I challenge myself to think, exercise, eat healthy, and pray. I have really enjoyed my long life and I hope you have a long and happy life too. I'd love for you to take care of yourself, try your hardest, and always choose yes when you meet a challenge. And who knows? Maybe one day you can break my record for the oldest person to ever run a marathon. Nothing would make me happier!"
Author Simran Jeet Singh says on his website:
"My brothers and I grew up in South Texas, and any time we went to a bookstore or library, we would scour the shelves for a book with Sikh characters. I can’t tell you how badly we wanted our friends to see positive stories about the people who looked like us. Being rendered invisible made us feel hurt and disappointed.
30 years later, when my oldest daughter was born, I started looking at children’s books again and realized that little had changed. Three decades had passed, and I still couldn’t find a single children’s book with people who looked like me. It was then that I decided to take it upon myself. I didn’t want my kids to feel that same pain that we did.
I decided to share the story of a man who changed my life, Fauja Singh. The day that he became the first 100-year-old to complete a 26.2-mile marathon is the same day I signed up to run my first marathon. And, like Fauja, I haven’t stopped running since.
Fauja Singh’s story is about running and aspiring and achieving – and it’s also more than that. It’s exciting to finally have a Sikh protagonist in a mainstream children’s book – but there’s more to it than that, too.
Fauja Singh’s life is an inspiring story of perseverance that challenges our assumptions (e.g., racism, ageism, disability), builds inclusion, and helps us reimagine what our heroes can look like. As a racial justice activist who has worked on the frontlines of hate violence for more than a decade, and as an educator who cares deeply about our children’s future, I believe that if our children can learn to see the humanity in those who seem most different from us, then we can learn to see the humanity in everyone we encounter." --www.simranjeetsingh.org/fauja
*Note, the "first children's book from a major publisher to center on a Sikh protagonist" is how the book is billed in several sites I referenced, including the author's own website and a CNN article (well worth a read, especially if you can't get your hands on the book itself). However, my GoodReads friend Abigail pointed out to me that another book with a Sikh protagonist was published the year before. I note that the reports says "major US publisher" which is perhaps the difference as Fauja Singh's story is published by Penguin, the largest publishing house in America. The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh was published by Sterling (which was ranked the 10th largest publishing house in America a few years back). Now, personally, I would still consider that a "major" publisher, but perhaps these other sources disagree. In any case, these are both groundbreaking books -- so exciting and important that more books are now being published featuring Sikh protagonists.
ETA: I've since come across the following picture books which may be of interest to those wishing to find more Sikhs in children's books:
Hair Twins (new from Little, Brown and Co)
these may be harder to find:
Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara: Understanding the Sikh Place of Worship
The Guru Inside Me Says...
Fauja could not walk until he was five years old. But, he believed in himself, and his parents believed in him, too. Every morning, he would listen to his mother, who said, "You know yourself, Fauja, and you know what you're capable of. Today is a chance to do your best." He eventually grew strong enough to have his own farm (despite naysayers saying he never would be able to farm) and had a happy life, eventually marrying and having a family. He didn't leave his village in Punjab until he was 81 years old and went to live with his children in England. Running was a way for him to feel happy instead of homesick, to make friends instead of feeling lonely, and (after he became famous) to share a positive message and be a role model. Fauja's Sikh faith is integrated so lovingly in both the text and illustrations. I had tears in my eyes when I read of him signing up for the world's biggest marathon (in New York City) just two years after 9/11 because he heard of people in America attacking Sikhs for how they looked. "Fauja knew this was wrong and he wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how to share his message. He couldn't read. He couldn't write. He couldn't speak English. But he could run... and at once, Fajua knew what he had to do." He ran the marathon at age 93 -- he ran for his Sikh brothers and sisters around the world! Later, at age 100, he ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, running 26.2 miles in just over eight hours. His humbleness and bright spirit shine through the story. I am happy the afterward includes a photograph of him, as well as further information on the Sikh religion and the records that Singh set with his running.
I can't seem to find the words to express how much this story moved me. So, I will be quiet and let Fauja and the author speak instead.
In the Forward, Fauja Singh says to the young readers, "All my life, people set limitations on me. They said I would never walk. Then they said I would never farm. They certainly never thought I would set records with my running. No matter what people said, I always believed in myself. I knew my body better than anyone else. I knew what I was capable of. I kept trying. I never gave up. And I always held on to hope. [...] My secret to a long and healthy life has been taking care of my mind, body, and soul. Every day, I challenge myself to think, exercise, eat healthy, and pray. I have really enjoyed my long life and I hope you have a long and happy life too. I'd love for you to take care of yourself, try your hardest, and always choose yes when you meet a challenge. And who knows? Maybe one day you can break my record for the oldest person to ever run a marathon. Nothing would make me happier!"
Author Simran Jeet Singh says on his website:
"My brothers and I grew up in South Texas, and any time we went to a bookstore or library, we would scour the shelves for a book with Sikh characters. I can’t tell you how badly we wanted our friends to see positive stories about the people who looked like us. Being rendered invisible made us feel hurt and disappointed.
30 years later, when my oldest daughter was born, I started looking at children’s books again and realized that little had changed. Three decades had passed, and I still couldn’t find a single children’s book with people who looked like me. It was then that I decided to take it upon myself. I didn’t want my kids to feel that same pain that we did.
I decided to share the story of a man who changed my life, Fauja Singh. The day that he became the first 100-year-old to complete a 26.2-mile marathon is the same day I signed up to run my first marathon. And, like Fauja, I haven’t stopped running since.
Fauja Singh’s story is about running and aspiring and achieving – and it’s also more than that. It’s exciting to finally have a Sikh protagonist in a mainstream children’s book – but there’s more to it than that, too.
Fauja Singh’s life is an inspiring story of perseverance that challenges our assumptions (e.g., racism, ageism, disability), builds inclusion, and helps us reimagine what our heroes can look like. As a racial justice activist who has worked on the frontlines of hate violence for more than a decade, and as an educator who cares deeply about our children’s future, I believe that if our children can learn to see the humanity in those who seem most different from us, then we can learn to see the humanity in everyone we encounter." --www.simranjeetsingh.org/fauja
*Note, the "first children's book from a major publisher to center on a Sikh protagonist" is how the book is billed in several sites I referenced, including the author's own website and a CNN article (well worth a read, especially if you can't get your hands on the book itself). However, my GoodReads friend Abigail pointed out to me that another book with a Sikh protagonist was published the year before. I note that the reports says "major US publisher" which is perhaps the difference as Fauja Singh's story is published by Penguin, the largest publishing house in America. The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh was published by Sterling (which was ranked the 10th largest publishing house in America a few years back). Now, personally, I would still consider that a "major" publisher, but perhaps these other sources disagree. In any case, these are both groundbreaking books -- so exciting and important that more books are now being published featuring Sikh protagonists.
ETA: I've since come across the following picture books which may be of interest to those wishing to find more Sikhs in children's books:
Hair Twins (new from Little, Brown and Co)
these may be harder to find:
Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara: Understanding the Sikh Place of Worship
The Guru Inside Me Says...
October 19, 2020
One of my favorite picture books of the year. What a year for young people's literature.
September 2, 2020
A lovely inspirational story! Fauja Singh overcame the inability to walk as a child and moving to a new country at 81, to fall in love with running! I love the representation of Sikhism here - I’m sure many children will see themselves and their culture in this book for the first time. It is also an example against ageism! Not all grandparents and elders have the same level of ability. I would love to pair this book with “The Oldest Student” and see what kids say.
September 3, 2021
American author Simran Jeet Singh and British illustrator Baljinder Kaur tell the story of Fauja Singh, the Sikh farmer and elder who became one of the few to run a marathon while over one hundred years old, in this engaging picture-book biography. Born in the Punjab around 1911 - birth certificates were not issued in India at that time, making this an estimate - Fauja was unable to walk in his early years, due to a mysterious and never-diagnosed ailment. With his mother encouraging him every day, he slowly worked on building up his strength, eventually doing what no on thought possible: walking on his own. He went on to become a farmer, and to raise a family. At the age of eighty-one, having joined one of his children in the UK, he decided to start running, eventually training for the marathon. Through his running he found personal purpose, and also inspired others. When he heard of Sikhs being attacked in the United States, following the events of 9/11, he entered into the New York Marathon, as a means of showing solidarity. In the end, he hoped that his example would show children and adults that it was possible to persevere, no matter the challenge...
Informative and inspiring, Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon is an excellent biography for younger children, imparting important lessons about courage, perseverance and compassion, while demonstrating that age is no limitation, if a person really wants to do something, and gives it their best. I had never heard of Singh before picking up this book, and am glad to have that gap in my knowledge rectified. The narrative here is engaging, and often emotionally involving, leaving me impressed that it was author Simran Jeet Singh's debut. Hopefully he will write more children's books! The artwork from Baljinder Kaur, created digitally using hand drawings and collage pieces, is lovely. I particularly liked the depiction of the elderly Singh, with news cameras stuck in his face, speaking with the media. The inclusion of a brief foreword from Fauja Singh himself, encouraging the reader to do their best in life, and try their hardest to meet challenges head on, was wonderful. Highly recommended to all picture-book readers who enjoy biography, or stories of athletic accomplishment, as well as to those seeking stories featuring Sikh characters - something still too uncommon in the world of American children's books.
Informative and inspiring, Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon is an excellent biography for younger children, imparting important lessons about courage, perseverance and compassion, while demonstrating that age is no limitation, if a person really wants to do something, and gives it their best. I had never heard of Singh before picking up this book, and am glad to have that gap in my knowledge rectified. The narrative here is engaging, and often emotionally involving, leaving me impressed that it was author Simran Jeet Singh's debut. Hopefully he will write more children's books! The artwork from Baljinder Kaur, created digitally using hand drawings and collage pieces, is lovely. I particularly liked the depiction of the elderly Singh, with news cameras stuck in his face, speaking with the media. The inclusion of a brief foreword from Fauja Singh himself, encouraging the reader to do their best in life, and try their hardest to meet challenges head on, was wonderful. Highly recommended to all picture-book readers who enjoy biography, or stories of athletic accomplishment, as well as to those seeking stories featuring Sikh characters - something still too uncommon in the world of American children's books.
August 5, 2021
I’ve always felt there was a weird gap somewhere between fiction and non-fiction picture books. On one hand: Fiction! So much fiction! Saying goodnight moon from the great green room and running around with thing one and thing two. But on the other hand? Non-fiction. But really nonny-non-fiction, you know? That’s not a word but I mean it’s mostly in the vein of Wikipedia Lite with books like The Milky Way or Ants or Mother Theresa: A Nun's Life. A blow-by-blow of how something scientific works or a biography of someone famous. I often find myself more interested in the Everyman - Well, enter Fauja Singh! Fauja is currently 109 years old and is the oldest person to ever run a marathon. Did he train all his life? No, he began running only a few decades ago in his 80s! A wonderful true story about a skinny boy growing up in Punjab with weak legs and a strong spirit. Also doubles as a nice introduction to Sikhism. A truly wonderful picture book that I highly recommend.
June 23, 2023
The foreword is great and explains that growing up in India, he was told he wouldn't walk and be "became the oldest person to ever run a marathon." Finishing time: 08:11:05.9
This book is "a reminder that all of our bodies are different -- and so are our experiences with disabilities." The message of this book is a simple, yet profound one: "You know yourselves and what you're capable of. Today is a chance to do your best."
Another interesting facts: "Guinness Book of World Records has yet to officially honor Fauja Singh as the world's oldest marathoner. Guinness does not accept Fauja Singh's government documents and requires a birth certificate -- even though India did not begin registering births until 1969, 58 years after Fauja Singh's birth."
This book is "a reminder that all of our bodies are different -- and so are our experiences with disabilities." The message of this book is a simple, yet profound one: "You know yourselves and what you're capable of. Today is a chance to do your best."
Another interesting facts: "Guinness Book of World Records has yet to officially honor Fauja Singh as the world's oldest marathoner. Guinness does not accept Fauja Singh's government documents and requires a birth certificate -- even though India did not begin registering births until 1969, 58 years after Fauja Singh's birth."
September 1, 2020
Such a sweet and inspiring tale! On a personal note, I was in tears to see someone who looks like my grandfathers represented in a children’s book. Simran Jeet Singh struck the perfect balance of weaving cultural Punjabi & Sikhism elements to teach young children about other cultures while keeping larger themes of fighting against the odds, and hard work paying off at the forefront. The illustrations by Baljinder Kaur really just took me back to my own childhood. Can’t recommend this enough ❤️
June 18, 2021
Inspiring, beautifully told and a story we need right now.
That reminds me, I need to start exercising again...
That reminds me, I need to start exercising again...
November 28, 2020
This would be a fabulous classroom library investment! A teacher could keep coming back to it over and over to lead all kinds of lessons.
May 11, 2022
Wow! It's about being Sikh. And ageism. And the value of healthy living & a positive attitude. And courage & determinism. And more... and it's true! For all ages: kids, share it with your grandparents!
November 22, 2024
In this Biography, we are introduced to our main character Fauja. Fauja is a little boy who despite having trouble walking ends up being the oldest man to run a marathon; based on a true story. Not only is the story of Fauja inspiring, but it is also unbelievable. The sheer thought that such an old man can run a marathon at such an age teaches children that they are capable of accomplishing anything in life if they set their mind to it. The repetition of the phrase “you know yourself and what you're capable of, today is a chance to do your best.” teaches children to push past their limits despite their failures. The main theme of this story is family and resilience. This can be seen when Fauja is repeatedly told that he is too weak and too skinny to do anything, despite the comments that he can accomplish tasks that society did not believe he could. The story is introduced with different characters from different places and starts with Fauja being surrounded by people and ends with Fauja being surrounded by people. The illustrations are interesting because in the beginning of the story, the colors are toned down and are grains, but as the story progresses and as Fauja succeeds in his tasks the colors turn more vibrant and become less grainy. This shows us that despite the accomplishments we should appreciate the people around us. The inclusion of Fauja’s picture in the end also acts as a powerful literary tactic by making children realize that this is a story based on a real person.
This book is free of bias because it does not use harmful stereotypes and it includes a broad range of characters in the story. The book also has a positive depiction of the aging population.This book is a WOW book for me and I recommend it to others because it teaches us that age and societal expectations are just a box that was created to mold us into a certain person; no matter our age or background we can all be successful and push the barrier of our comfort. I also like how the book talks about being kind to each other and not being judgmental about others.
This book is free of bias because it does not use harmful stereotypes and it includes a broad range of characters in the story. The book also has a positive depiction of the aging population.This book is a WOW book for me and I recommend it to others because it teaches us that age and societal expectations are just a box that was created to mold us into a certain person; no matter our age or background we can all be successful and push the barrier of our comfort. I also like how the book talks about being kind to each other and not being judgmental about others.
March 16, 2020
What a sweet, and incredibly inspiring story of one man and his determination, athleticism, and faith.
*I received an ARC for the publisher in exchange for an honest review
*I received an ARC for the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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January 1, 2021This is a wonderful picture book biography about a Sikh runner who would let nothing stop him from his dreams of running and gaining positive press for Sikhs worldwide.
January 4, 2021
I got chills while reading this book. Such an inspiring story...the whole family was captivated.
January 14, 2021
This is the nonfiction, human equivalent of the "Energizer Bunny", with an incredible voice and impressive details of a determined and inspiring man.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
April 12, 2021
This is a great book about perseverance. My nieces and nephews love this book and they absolutely adore Fauja Singh. Would highly recommend! And the artwork is so beautiful!!
September 13, 2021
Wonderful and engaging picture book with an interesting story and lovely illustrations. I loved reading this.
October 26, 2021
My son and I loved this sweet book about the oldest person to ever run a marathon.
November 21, 2021
I think this would be a good positive thinking - don't give up - grit is good kind of book to read out loud. I only wish it had a pronunciation guide and glossary for those of us who are not familiar with the culture. I have had students who would appreciate seeing this book in my library. I would like to learn more about this culture, too.
April 13, 2022
I read this story to my students to help us analyze the elements of a story. What an incredible story of perseverance and spirit this book is. This is the true story of the oldest person to ever run a marathon. Fauja is an inspiration! This book should be shared with kids of all ages!! #mcdreads
February 8, 2021
One of the bestest non-fiction books out there. We gobbled it up, and then some. Great role model, and especially for young kids, sometimes it is great to hear that even as an old person one can be inspiring!
May 1, 2025
Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon by Simrat Jeet Singh is an incredible and interesting story about his life. In this book we learn about Fauja’s life and the challenges he went through. It was an inspirational story to read. One major theme in this book was resilience. Although Fauja was unable to walk in his earlier life, he prayed and attempted to walk until he could. Another theme that was expressed in the book was vulnerability. He showed sadness and a willingness to walk and run a marathon. The main genre of this book is biography. Through this book I learned about Fauja’s life and how he was inspired to run a marathon. This book was a WOW book for me because it was an interesting biography and someone new to learn about.
One literary device that is used throughout the story is similes. The author related Fauja length strength to a stick, allowing me to know he is very weak. Another literary device in the story is imagery, when the author stated ideas, I was able to imagine them. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it was diverse and had different settings. We saw individuals in Asia and Europe
One literary device that is used throughout the story is similes. The author related Fauja length strength to a stick, allowing me to know he is very weak. Another literary device in the story is imagery, when the author stated ideas, I was able to imagine them. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it was diverse and had different settings. We saw individuals in Asia and Europe
August 25, 2020
Beautiful story, words, and pictures. "But Fauja didn't listen and Fauja didn't stop." Inspiring!
July 1, 2023
Absolutely incredible!
October 22, 2020
This is an awesome inspirational story about the oldest person to ever run a marathon. The illustrations doing a really great job of depicting Singh and his family in a warm, realistic manner. I appreciated that the back matter includes information about what it means to be a Sikh, as well as about Singh's life. Very nice addition to any public library, classroom, or home collection. I do wish that it included a bit more information about why Singh couldn't walk when he was a child; without this, it could lead kids to believe that children who can't walk just haven't tried hard enough.
October 13, 2021
Want this !!!
May 19, 2021
An unusual, thoughtful, honest, and inspiring picture book with warm, charming illustrations that include actual photos from Fauja's long, long life.
December 1, 2024
Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh is an incredibly moving story that celebrates perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. It tells the true story of Fauja Singh, who became the first person over 100 years old to complete a marathon. Fauja’s journey starts in a small village in India, where he struggled to walk as a child and was often doubted by others. But Fauja didn’t let that stop him. Through sheer hard work and an unshakable belief in himself, he showed the world that determination can conquer any obstacle and that age is just a number.This story feels so personal and inspiring because it’s about so much more than running. It’s about having the strength to keep going, even when life seems stacked against you. Fauja’s.transformation from a quiet boy in rural India to a world-record-breaking runner—is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from or how old you are, your dreams are worth chasing.The book is perfect for readers of all ages, especially kids, because it teaches such important lessons: never give up, work hard, and believe in yourself even when others don’t. Simran Jeet Singh’s writing is warm and heartfelt, making it easy to connect with Fauja’s struggles and triumphs. And the illustrations by Baljinder Kaur are stunning; they're full of life and color, bringing Fauja’s journey to life in a way that feels so real and meaningful.What I love most about this book is that it’s not just about Fauja’s incredible achievements. It’s a celebration of the human spirit and a challenge to the stereotypes we sometimes place on age and ability. Fauja’s story encourages all of us to push past our limits, embrace life’s challenges, and never stop believing in what’s possible.Reading this left me feeling so inspired and hopeful. Fauja’s determination and courage are a beautiful reminder that we’re all capable of amazing things if we just keep going. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after you’ve read it. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone looking for a little inspiration, this book is a must-read.
September 23, 2020
As a Sikh, I am BEYOND excited to share this book with you!!
Why?
1. It’s the first book with a Sikh protagonist to be published by a large, mainstream publisher
2. It’s an #OwnVoices book, meaning the author and illustrator share the background of the protagonist
3. It’s a true story and incredibly inspirational!
As an #OwnVoicesReviewer, I couldn’t stop smiling when I saw so much meaningful detail in the writing and illustrations. Everything was on point- the Gurdwara, clothing, food, home decor- it was all so relatable since the illustrator herself was Sikh. She captured Sikh life beautifully! This book has a powerful message of perseverance and growth mindset.
I am so glad that I can share this story with my son, so he can see himself and his family in a book. It empowers Sikh children, as there are not many books that represent this community.
I highly, highly recommend it to every parent and teacher. This needs to be in every classroom, library and home!
💡 Lesson Idea:
There’s a lot of ways to incorporate this book into the classroom. For example, when you’re teaching themes of: perseverance, growth mindset, goal setting, and diversity. Since it’s September, I’d hone in on the concept of perseverance and goal setting. I would introduce the words and then read the story. We’d have a discussion about how Fauja Singh set a goal, the steps he took to achieve it, hurdles along the way, and his support system. Then, following the same structure, students would be given the opportunity to set one goal for the term (academic or not academic) and write about it. I’d also create a display with each child’s photo and a speech bubble with their goal. Displaying it somewhere in the room will help students remain accountable, focused and motivated.
For more lesson ideas, check out @readingcanuck on Instagram!
Why?
1. It’s the first book with a Sikh protagonist to be published by a large, mainstream publisher
2. It’s an #OwnVoices book, meaning the author and illustrator share the background of the protagonist
3. It’s a true story and incredibly inspirational!
As an #OwnVoicesReviewer, I couldn’t stop smiling when I saw so much meaningful detail in the writing and illustrations. Everything was on point- the Gurdwara, clothing, food, home decor- it was all so relatable since the illustrator herself was Sikh. She captured Sikh life beautifully! This book has a powerful message of perseverance and growth mindset.
I am so glad that I can share this story with my son, so he can see himself and his family in a book. It empowers Sikh children, as there are not many books that represent this community.
I highly, highly recommend it to every parent and teacher. This needs to be in every classroom, library and home!
💡 Lesson Idea:
There’s a lot of ways to incorporate this book into the classroom. For example, when you’re teaching themes of: perseverance, growth mindset, goal setting, and diversity. Since it’s September, I’d hone in on the concept of perseverance and goal setting. I would introduce the words and then read the story. We’d have a discussion about how Fauja Singh set a goal, the steps he took to achieve it, hurdles along the way, and his support system. Then, following the same structure, students would be given the opportunity to set one goal for the term (academic or not academic) and write about it. I’d also create a display with each child’s photo and a speech bubble with their goal. Displaying it somewhere in the room will help students remain accountable, focused and motivated.
For more lesson ideas, check out @readingcanuck on Instagram!
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