Running Across America: A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home
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Running Across America
A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home
In Running Across America: A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home, Dave McGillivray tells the touching tale of how he ran 3,452 miles from Medford, Oregon, to his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts, in 1978. Braving mountains, the elements, crickets, snakes, and homesickness, McGillivray runs in support of the Jimmy Fund and relies on good friends, family, a sense of humor, and sheer determination to
$16.95Reviews
New York Times Runners Blog/newsletter
“[Running Across America] tells the true story of running 3,452 miles across the country as inspiration for finding a path to achieving your goals."
Dennis Eckersley, Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher, 1978 Red Sox Team
"Dave’s can-do attitude is infectious! As a young man, Dave gets the idea to run from coast to coast. Nothing stops—or slows down—this real-life endurance athlete. Dave makes you believe that no goal or dream is too challenging to achieve. His formula? Grit and hard work."
Jerry Remy, All-star 2nd Baseman, 1978 Red Sox Team
"You would think that running 3,452 miles would be enough of a challenge, but surprisingly, Dave encounters much more than sore muscles on his epic run across America! Amazing, touching, and laugh-out-loud funny."
Praise for Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination by Dave McGillivray and Nan Feehrer
School Library Journal
“Readers will be drawn to McGillivray’s honest perspective, but their attention will be held by the description of running marathons, the drama of counting down the last few miles along with the text. The significance of strong family relationships and the reality of achieving personal goals make this title ideal for character education or a unit about families. The illustrations are colorful and support the story well. VERDICT A delightful true tale about dreaming big, and the effort and commitment required to make those dreams come true.”
School Library Connection
“This picture book autobiography about accomplished distance runner Dave McGillivray delivers an excellent role model for kids who are on the fringes, empowering them to achieve.”
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Detailed Book Description
As a teenager, Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray heard a news story about a person biking across the United States. “What a great idea!” he thought. “But instead of a bike, I’ll use my sneakers!”
Thus begins the funny, touching, true story of McGillivray’s 80-day, 3452-mile run from Medford, Oregon, to his hometown of Medford, Massachusetts, in 1978. In Running Across America: A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home, McGillivray tells the tale of how he braved the Sierra and Rocky Mountains, millions of grasshoppers in Nebraska, days of pouring rain in Ohio, the occasional rattlesnake, and persistent sore knees.
And McGillivray isn’t running just to chase his own dream. By making the run a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund, McGillivray joins his favorite baseball team, the Red Sox, in making lives better for kids battling cancer.
Through 13 states, blistering heat, and being “pulled over” by a State Trooper, McGillivray relies on good friends, family, a sense of humor, and sheer determination to fulfill a dream—and to help kids who can’t run.
| Hardcover, $16.95 9781619308756 |