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Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry
From award-winning creators, Derrick Barnes, Frank Morrison, and Dr. Christian Gregory comes the true story of comedian and activist Dick Gregory’s remarkable Food Run of 1976.
1 man. 1,011 hours. 3,200 miles. 7 million steps.
What would you do?
In April of 1976, Dick Gregory sets off on a Herculean and grueling two-and-a-half month run. His goal: to raise awareness about the epidemic of poverty and hunger in America.
Sleeping in motels and consuming nothing but fruit juices, vitamins and water, he runs from Los Angeles to New York City. And in each city, he stops to speak the truth about injustice. About the plight of the penniless. About the hopeless.
Lyrical text, stunning art, and compelling backmatter come together to ask you—yes you—what would you do if you had a wild idea to stand up for something you believe in? Find out how far Dick Gregory’s belief in feeding the hungry took him in this unforgettable story of an incredible journey that still reverberates today.
1 man. 1,011 hours. 3,200 miles. 7 million steps.
What would you do?
In April of 1976, Dick Gregory sets off on a Herculean and grueling two-and-a-half month run. His goal: to raise awareness about the epidemic of poverty and hunger in America.
Sleeping in motels and consuming nothing but fruit juices, vitamins and water, he runs from Los Angeles to New York City. And in each city, he stops to speak the truth about injustice. About the plight of the penniless. About the hopeless.
Lyrical text, stunning art, and compelling backmatter come together to ask you—yes you—what would you do if you had a wild idea to stand up for something you believe in? Find out how far Dick Gregory’s belief in feeding the hungry took him in this unforgettable story of an incredible journey that still reverberates today.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
About the author
Derrick Barnes
34 books258 followersWhere I come from, no one dreams of becoming an author.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 5, 2026
Run, don't walk, to find this inspirational book!
June 4, 2026
In 1976 Dick Gregory ran across the country to call attention to poverty and hunger in America. It’s an unimaginable achievement and speaks to getting behind your convictions. Told in 2nd person, one of the 2 authors is the son of Dick Gregory. Back matter is included with photos of the actual run. Would be useful with middle school and high school students in helping to raise citizens with strong values who want to bring about change in the world. The illustrations are stunning and contribute to the story.
June 8, 2026
This is a great book to include in the 2026 celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary of its founding, looking back to Gregory's marking the 200th with his coast-to-coast run. Barnes and Gregory's crafting of the narrative and Morrison's oil paintings to illustrate the book carry the story with grace and power. Including Muhammad Ali encounter with Gregory along the way, must have been a stirring convergence, as is its retelling here.
August 27, 2026
Public library copy
This was interesting, but more lyrical and inspiring than informative. It was on the longer side for a picture book. The topic is very interesting. This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Leonard's Finding Gobi or Singh and Kaur's Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon.
This was interesting, but more lyrical and inspiring than informative. It was on the longer side for a picture book. The topic is very interesting. This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Leonard's Finding Gobi or Singh and Kaur's Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon.
March 3, 2026
Empowering. Just what we need right now.
June 10, 2026
Amazing, beautifully written and illustrated picture book showcasing the two-and-a-half-month run from LA to NY by Dick Gregory in 1976. Gregory ran to raise awareness and confront the crisis of hunger. During America’s two hundredth birthday, he ran to fight for the right to be free from hunger.
When asked why he was running 50 miles a day, every day, from the west coast to the east coast, Gregory said, “Because no one in this great land of plenty should close their eyes at night and have to dream about nourishment, wondering what the next day will bring.”
Gregory’s hope was that his seven million steps would bring us closer to equality and strengthen our humanity. Fifty years later, we still have a long way to go.
The back matter includes notes from the authors and illustrator. Derrick Barnes: “Regardless of your degree of education, wealth, age, or level of success, figuring out who you are and how you are going to use your God-given abilities to help others, to bring about a positive change in the world, is of the utmost importance. It’s paramount. It’s the reason why we all exist.”
Wow!
When asked why he was running 50 miles a day, every day, from the west coast to the east coast, Gregory said, “Because no one in this great land of plenty should close their eyes at night and have to dream about nourishment, wondering what the next day will bring.”
Gregory’s hope was that his seven million steps would bring us closer to equality and strengthen our humanity. Fifty years later, we still have a long way to go.
The back matter includes notes from the authors and illustrator. Derrick Barnes: “Regardless of your degree of education, wealth, age, or level of success, figuring out who you are and how you are going to use your God-given abilities to help others, to bring about a positive change in the world, is of the utmost importance. It’s paramount. It’s the reason why we all exist.”
Wow!
July 12, 2026
The story of comedian, activist, and humanitarian Dick Gregory’s 1976 Run for the Hungry, this picture book chronicles his remarkable cross-country journey to raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in the United States.
Told in the second person, Seven Million Steps follows Gregory as he runs across the country, inviting readers to experience both the physical challenge and the purpose behind his mission. I was unfamiliar with this chapter of Gregory’s life, and I appreciated learning about a cause that remains just as relevant today as it was nearly fifty years ago.
Derrick Barnes’ poetic text is beautifully paired with Frank Morrison’s breathtaking illustrations. Morrison has an extraordinary ability to capture movement. His figures never seem still; they run, stretch, leap, and surge across the page with incredible energy, perfectly reflecting Gregory’s determination and momentum.
Together, author and illustrator have created a powerful and inspiring picture book that encourages readers to think about activism, compassion, service, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.
A must-purchase for school and public libraries.
Told in the second person, Seven Million Steps follows Gregory as he runs across the country, inviting readers to experience both the physical challenge and the purpose behind his mission. I was unfamiliar with this chapter of Gregory’s life, and I appreciated learning about a cause that remains just as relevant today as it was nearly fifty years ago.
Derrick Barnes’ poetic text is beautifully paired with Frank Morrison’s breathtaking illustrations. Morrison has an extraordinary ability to capture movement. His figures never seem still; they run, stretch, leap, and surge across the page with incredible energy, perfectly reflecting Gregory’s determination and momentum.
Together, author and illustrator have created a powerful and inspiring picture book that encourages readers to think about activism, compassion, service, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.
A must-purchase for school and public libraries.
Read
March 30, 2026Picture book bio about an issue I feel strongly about (hunger) and about someone I had never heard of (plus as a bonus, illustrated by one of my favorites--Frank Morrison). Really liked this and could definitely work as a social justice type read aloud with a slightly older group.
Dick Gregory was an activist who decided that he was going to bring attention to the hunger problem in America by running across the country on minimal sustenance. Along the way, people started running with him and bringing attention to the cause.
The narrative style was different but effective--readers are placed right into the story, with an unseen narrator talking directly to them, asking " What would you do if you knew someone who goes to bed every night without having supper? What if your stomach was tight and grumbled?" with the end asking the reader what are they are going to simply stand still or do something.
Backmatter includes info about hunger versus food insecurity, photos of Gregory during his run, and author and illustrator notes.
Dick Gregory was an activist who decided that he was going to bring attention to the hunger problem in America by running across the country on minimal sustenance. Along the way, people started running with him and bringing attention to the cause.
The narrative style was different but effective--readers are placed right into the story, with an unseen narrator talking directly to them, asking " What would you do if you knew someone who goes to bed every night without having supper? What if your stomach was tight and grumbled?" with the end asking the reader what are they are going to simply stand still or do something.
Backmatter includes info about hunger versus food insecurity, photos of Gregory during his run, and author and illustrator notes.
August 3, 2026
This says "the true story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry" on the title, but the book doesn't really talk about Gregory or how he planned the run or what the impact was. It comes across preachy. I REALLY do not like that Barnes shoehorns in religion to all of his work. He did it with Henson Blayze, too, and it drove me up a wall. What has happened since then? Did anything change? I would argue inequality has gotten worse because the government as a whole has done all it can to make sure the American populace is selfish and doesn't want to share with others or to have their tax dollars used to help others (USING fake Christianity as a basis for that reasoning, by the way). I don't feel like I know anything more about this person, about the impact, etc. for having read this. It just feels like it's trying to inspire children to do something performative and say they're helping.
This was mentioned for Mock Newbery. I don't think it should be considered for that. The art isn't my personal style, but I could see it being a Caldecott contender.
This was mentioned for Mock Newbery. I don't think it should be considered for that. The art isn't my personal style, but I could see it being a Caldecott contender.
June 14, 2026
Derek Barnes and Christian Gregory tell the story of a man who wanted to fight the reality of hunger. That man, Dick Gregory, decided he would run across the country with limited sustenance throughout his estimated 2.5 month run from California to New York. Along the way he gave speeches about the reality of hunger in America and asking people to donate money or time to fix this problem. It is too big a problem for any one person. It must be all of us recognizing and responding to the problem. The spectacular art of Frank Morrison feels so very right in this book. Morrison has quite a following for good reason. He adds his thoughts at the end of the book. This book is a tribute to Dick Gregory as well as to all of the readers who are motivated to make a difference to fight hunger in their own community. This will be a great addition to any library collection.
March 24, 2026
An incredibly moving picture book biography about a man's activism to abolish hunger in the USA. Written in the second-person POV, I think this would be a great read-aloud for older kids, especially when discussing activism, food, and community (you just really got to go for it); maybe even running, marathons, or the USA in general (several stops along the way show USA sights). Backmatter includes more information and authors' notes plus a slightly unhinged illustrator's note that includes the phrase "weight-loss shakes."
*Backmatter with real photos! Nothing is better in life than backmatter with real photos.
*Backmatter with real photos! Nothing is better in life than backmatter with real photos.
September 8, 2026
Awe inspiring run of Dick Gregory's run across America for the hungry during America's 200th birthday celebration. The contrast to America's 250th under an elected felon that has cut food support programs is stark.
"Because no one in this land of plenty should close their eyes at night and have to dream about nourishment, wondering what the next day will bring."
"You'll talk about people not knowing where their next meal will come from and poverty, unemployment, and hunger taking place in what's supposed to be the greatest country in the world."
"I aim to make hunger urgent and inspire a compassionate, just third century for our nation."
"Because no one in this land of plenty should close their eyes at night and have to dream about nourishment, wondering what the next day will bring."
"You'll talk about people not knowing where their next meal will come from and poverty, unemployment, and hunger taking place in what's supposed to be the greatest country in the world."
"I aim to make hunger urgent and inspire a compassionate, just third century for our nation."
April 13, 2026
Sometimes, some people, will go to great lengths to make a point. In this case Dick Gregory decides he will observe America's bicentennial by running across the country to being attention to the crisis the poor in this country face about food insecurity. He vows not to eat, while covering 50 miles a day. This is an unthinkable goal! Yet he accomplishes it, stopping in every city to speak about the problem. It's hard to think a human could achieve this. Stirring and inspiring, this book will ask many questions of the reader. What would you do?
June 5, 2026
“You’ve been given grace so many times that fighting for others is the least you could do.”
What would you do if you knew someone who goes to bed every night without having supper?
Walk/run across the country of course, to draw attention to the fact that people in this “great land of plenty” have to dream about nourishment. And, talk to people in the communities he runs through about the sad conditions in which some people live, encouraging others to “run until you can’t run anymore” for a concern they have.
What would you do if you knew someone who goes to bed every night without having supper?
Walk/run across the country of course, to draw attention to the fact that people in this “great land of plenty” have to dream about nourishment. And, talk to people in the communities he runs through about the sad conditions in which some people live, encouraging others to “run until you can’t run anymore” for a concern they have.
July 8, 2026
You know how I feel about Frank Morrison as an illustrator! Don’t forget to read his illustrator notes and check out the photos as well. Hopefully, this could be his year to win the C. Medal with his oil paint on illustration board. The story about Gregory‘s run for hunger is just amazing. I had no idea and I’ll be looking it up-Derrick Barnes, who was written some great books as well and his authors note which he signs “Ase. Ase. Ase. I looked that up and it’s a spiritual kind of chant that means amen so I’m gonna add that to my write up definite for my Sibert, fingers crossed for C.
August 19, 2026
I'm always a fan of Frank Morrison's illustration style, he creates such vivid, fluid painted artwork! I was expecting this to be more of a biography, which it kind of was, but also a call to arms. I think my biggest frustrations were the small font size and the portions where it was near impossible to read the text overlaying the illustrations. I loved learning more about Dick Gregory in part from the text and in part from the back matter. I wish there had been more included about the actual impact of his race.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and and publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
I loved the cover for this one, it is very well done and beautiful. The narration was very good. I also thought the sound effects added to this one were interesting and made this book even more engaging. The story is a good one and certainly very well written. I loved the themes of this book. I definitely think this will appeal to a lot of young readers.
I loved the cover for this one, it is very well done and beautiful. The narration was very good. I also thought the sound effects added to this one were interesting and made this book even more engaging. The story is a good one and certainly very well written. I loved the themes of this book. I definitely think this will appeal to a lot of young readers.
March 12, 2026
Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry by Derrick Barnes, Christian Gregory, & Frank Morrison
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a small piece of paper with the book.
Started March 8th, 2026.
Finished March 8th, 2026.
March 8th, 2026: read entire book in physical copy.
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a small piece of paper with the book.
Started March 8th, 2026.
Finished March 8th, 2026.
March 8th, 2026: read entire book in physical copy.
March 28, 2026
4 stars (I really liked it)
This was such an inspiring picture book biography. Not only does it tell about Dick Gregory and his 'Run for the Hungry" but it really impresses upon the reader that we all can look around us, see a need, and help to met it.
In my 5th grade curriculum, there is a unit called "We Shall Overcome" about biological and situational adversity. This might be a good book to use for the food insecurity lesson.
This was such an inspiring picture book biography. Not only does it tell about Dick Gregory and his 'Run for the Hungry" but it really impresses upon the reader that we all can look around us, see a need, and help to met it.
In my 5th grade curriculum, there is a unit called "We Shall Overcome" about biological and situational adversity. This might be a good book to use for the food insecurity lesson.
September 10, 2026
In 1976, for America's 200th birthday, Comedian and activist Dick Gregory ran from coast to coast to draw attention to the hunger crisis in our country. Still relevant 50 years later, Gregory's run for the hungry is inspiring and will hopefully encourage activism towards important causes. Beautifully illustrated and informative, the picture book is written by Derrick Barnes and Gregory's son Christian. This is a don't miss read!
February 26, 2026
This book is a perfect nonfiction picture book. It's informative, inspiring, beautiful to look at, and will prompt more learning and thinking. I didn't really know the story of Dick Gregory, but this book served as a good introduction. The main text of the book is less specific and far less expository, but detailed back matter lays everything out and tells the specifics of the story.
August 31, 2026
Can't believe I didn't know this story: Dick Gregory ran across the entire US in our bicentennial year to raise awareness of hunger. I'd have liked more detail about how Gregory planned the run and what the impact was. I like the address to the reader asking, what are YOU willing to do? Gorgeous artwork!
September 4, 2026
This is an inspiring story, although it didn't provide many specific details about the experience itself, how it came to be, or how he planned for it. I also didn't love that he was involved in this incredible feat of running coast to coast without eating anything. I understand his "why" but it just didn't sit right with me.
February 26, 2026
Dick Gregory ran from Los Angeles, CA to New York City to bring to the awareness of hunger in this country. A picture book that's a great conversation starter for an event in the history of the United States of America.
April 7, 2026
I’m so glad I came across this book. Not only did. I enjoy this beautiful picture book I learned about a person I did not know. Then I found on YouTube video of his son, the author of this book, talking about his dad. This is why I love children’s books. They can inspire anyone!
April 15, 2026
Really cool to learn about Dick Gregory's nationwide run to bring attention to hunger on the Bicentennial! I love the illustration style, which has forward movement baked into it! Told in second person!
February 11, 2026
Absolutely inspiring, extraordinarily timely and should be in classrooms and libraries without haste.
February 22, 2026
Other than the 2nd person narrative (of which I am not fond), this was a great book. Informative and inspiring.
Read
February 23, 2026written in third person, which was unique.
February 27, 2026
Good book to introduce young children to Dick Gregory and activism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews