Value of Facing a Challenge: The Story of Terry Fox

ValueTales Series

by Ann Donegan Johnson, Steve Pileggi (Illustrator)

A biography of a young cancer patient with an artificial leg who determined to run 5300 miles across Canada in his own Marathon of Hope in order to raise money for cancer research.

Genres: Biography, Childrens, Nonfiction, History

63 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Jen Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too bad the picture doesn't show up on here. I have yet to make it through the whole book, without weeping while reading and then having to explain to "H" why I'm "reading like that". And if you care to read the reviews, all the "Value of" books have imaginary characters that talk to the protagonists - I like it. I bought this series off ebay, I had them as a kid and wanted H to have the books I remembered.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I reviewed is book for my school library. Really enjoyed the story of such a determined young man and felt that my kids would love the story. Terry , some may recall, ran across Canada with one good leg and one prosthetic leg. Hoping to raise money for cancer as well as raise an awareness of the abilities of people with prosthetics, he turned not a worldwide phenom as we all watched and charted his progress.

I loved this books until page 22 when the author felt the need to turn Terry's feet into cartoon characters! Why???? We immediately turned an amazing book into a cartoon book of a guy running on feet named "Speedy" and "Spunky". I hate when authors assume that kids will it understand concepts like self-motivation and determination.

I'll put the booming the shelf as we received it as a donation, but I doubt I'll ever recommend it. What a shame.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite "Value" books growing up. I love the story of Terry Fox and his inspiring 'Marathon of Hope.' He accomplished so much in his short life. I love how reading these books with my daughter sparks her interest in learning more and we lie together googling more facts.

*My only complaint is the corny imaginary "friends" in every Value book. The books are fine without introducing talking shoes or eagles or stars (to name a few we've read recently). There is no point behind them and my daughter and I laughed and rolled our eyes every time "Speedy" and "Spunky" spoke in this book.

[Alxandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a typical ValueTale story including the imaginary friends, and the glossing over of details. However, this one really left me with a sour taste. I couldn't help but wonder if Terry's running had stressed his body so that his cancer recurred which makes me wonder if that's a part of the story that was glossed over.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know Terry could run for a couple hours while having cancer on one of his legs. It taught me that facing a challenging is very important, and I would want to be like him.

[Mr. Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a surprise. I learned a lot about an amazing guy that I had never heard of. Great lesson for the kids too.

[C.G. Fewston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a kid and remember it fondly, and will have to revisit it with my children.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Value of Facing a Challenge: The Story of Terry Fox (Value tale series) by Ann Donegan Johnson, Illustrator Steven Pileggi- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- Terry Fox (July 28, 1958 – June 28, 1981) Terry Fox Terry Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Rolland and Betty Fox. Rolland was a switchman for the Canadian National Railway. Fox had an elder brother, Fred, a younger brother, Darrell, and a younger sister, Judith. His family moved to Surrey, British Columbia, in 1966, then settled in Port Coquitlam, in 1968.Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer fund raiser and research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated due to cancer, he embarked on an east to west Cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. Fox was a distance runner and basketball player for his Port Coquitlam high school, now named after him, and Simon Fraser University. His right leg was amputated in 1977 after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, though he continued to run using an artificial leg. He also played wheelchair basketball in Vancouver, winning three national championships. In 1980, he began the Marathon of Hope, a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. He hoped to raise one dollar from each of Canada's 24 million people. He began with little fanfare from St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in April and ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day. Fox had become a national star by the time he reached Ontario; he made numerous public appearances with businessmen, athletes, and politicians in his efforts to raise money. He was forced to end his run outside Thunder Bay when the cancer spread to his lungs. His hopes of overcoming the disease and completing his run ended when he died nine months later. I have read this book in Hindi language. Coloured illustrations help the reader in relating to the story.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book has a sad ending. But each person spend their life on what they believe most in. And Terry Fox did his best to help raise awareness on cancer and to raise funds to help in finding a cure.

[Jecel Cortes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I read it to my little brother

[Macy]

A story I read to my students to align with our health standards.