Review by Booklist Review
Fauja Singh is the oldest living person to run a marathon, becoming the first 100-year-old to run 26.2 miles. As a child in Punjab, sitting under banyan trees, eating daal and roti, he was so weak that his family thought he might never walk--and he didn't for many years. But Fauja did not listen to the taunts from other children, and he did not stop trying. By the time he turned 15, he could walk a whole mile, and he took up running in his 80s, running the London marathon six times with his turban and beard and a big smile. This is a powerful and utterly unique biography about a modern hero of great character and perseverance through disability, adversity, bigotry, and personal loss. With wonderfully multicultural illustrations that include hidden gems of tiny photographs, this is an honest and hopeful portrayal of a Sikh man with great moral fortitude who has never stopped pushing his limits. Bonus materials include a foreword by the subject and back matter with his impressive world records.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--4--This engaging picture book biography tells the amazing story of a 100-year-old marathoner named Fauja Singh. Born in India, Singh could not walk until his fifth birthday and endured many other challenges in his long life. When people doubted him, he kept going. The book uses that determination, along with his mother's unfailing encouragement, as the theme for his achievements. He grew into a healthy and active adult, with a family and a farm. A move to England at age 81 led to his emergence as a runner and his eventual record-setting accomplishments. The book's language is appropriately inspirational, but also highlights the setbacks that Singh faced involving injuries, self-doubt, and racism. Slightly awkward wording disrupts the narrative flow a couple of times, but Singh's story is unique and engaging, especially during the second half. Softly rendered illustrations effectively depict the various parts of the runner's life; expressive faces and figures deftly convey movement and emotions. Recurring images of kites and birds reflect his indomitable spirit. Details of food, clothing, and hairstyles add spiritual and cultural context. VERDICT A fine addition to picture book biography collections, with an inspirational message and strong cultural content.--Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville P.L., OR
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A short, illustrated biography of Fauja Singh, who was the first 100-year-old to ever run a marathon. As the picture book begins, Fauja Singh, a clever child with a good sense of fun, often feels left out, as he is unable to walk and run like his friends. His family worries about his weak legs, but the boy learns to walk at the age of 5 after much practice and effort. He cannot go to school, however, as the only school is several miles away from his village, and his legs are still weak; instead, he learns to farm, and by the age of 15, he can walk a whole mile. As the years pass, Fauja gets married, has children, and even gets his own farm. After his wife passes away, Fauja goes to live with his family in England at the age of 81. It is here that Fauja begins to run and even signs up for his first marathon. In his narrative, author Singh (no relation) focuses largely on the life and achievements of his subject, emphasizing the importance of working hard and holding on to dreams, while Kaur's colorful--at-times collagelike--illustrations include key details that help readers fully appreciate aspects of Fauja's Sikh religion. Fauja Singh's foreword combines with further information about the oldest marathoner in the backmatter to help contextualize the narrative for young readers. An inspirational story about persevering in the face of hardship. (Picture book/biography. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
