Fauja Singh Keeps Going

The True Story of the Oldest Person To Ever Run A Marathon

Kokila

(Penguin Random House)

(pub. 8.25.2020) 

48 pages

A True Tale with

A Cherry On Top   

A uthor: Simran Jeet Singh
       and illustrator:  Baljinder Kaur

C haracter:  Fauja Singh

O verview:

       

    "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 exuberant 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."

T antalizing taste: 

     "He wished he felt as strong as his name, which meant 'warrior lion.'

     When he was very little, his parents thought that he might never walk.

    Month after month and year after year went by, but Fauja did not take a single step.

    Aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas shook their heads  gravely and said: 'It's too hard. He's too weak.'

    But Fauja did not listen and Fauja did not stop.

    Instead, 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.' 

    Fauja practiced walking outside his family's hut each day, staying in the mud to soften every fall."

 
And something more:  The foreward by Fauja Singh says: "I'm now 108 years old, which means I'm probably more than 100 years older that you. Can you believe that?

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 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."