Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination

Description

Boston Marathon race director, Dave McGillivray, shares his story of childhood struggle to become an athlete in a world where athletes are big and Dave is small. In Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination, a nonfiction picture book for kids ages 6 to 10, Dave describes his disappointment, determination, and eventual success with inspiring language paired with vibrant illustrations from award-winning fine artist Ron Himler.

Dave McGillivray is the longtime race director of the iconic Boston Marathon and a world-renowned athlete, entrepreneur, speaker, and philanthropist. He is also the co-author of The Last Pick: The Boston Marathon Race Director's Road to Success. Dave lives in North Andover, Massachusetts, with his wife, Katie. He is the proud dad of Elle, Max, Ryan, Luke, and Chloe. Nan Feehrer is a writer and a reading teacher. She studied English, children's literature, and writing for children in the Pacific Northwest and has a master's degree in elementary education. Nancy lives in Westford, Massachusetts, with her husband, John, and is the proud parent of Derek, Nate, Tim, and Izzie. Ron Himler has illustrated more than 100 books for children. His work also appears in art galleries throughout the Southwest. Ron lives in Arizona.

"Whatever challenges you face in life, dream big and work hard! Dave's story will surprise you and motivate you to make your dreams a reality." -Meb Keflezighi, the only athlete in history to win the Boston Marathon, the New York Marathon, and an Olympic Medal "Dream Big is an amazing story of one little boy's dream to be successful. Not only did he become successful himself, he has motivated and challenged thousands more to dare to dream and dare to make those dreams come true!" -Sunita Lyn "Suni" Williams, astronaut, United States Navy Officer "What seems like failure at first can really be motivation in disguise! Dave may be little, but he knows how to make BIG dreams come true. I applaud Dave for sharing his story and living his dreams." -Joan Benoit Samuelson, runner, 2-time winner of the Boston Marathon, Olympic Gold Medalist "We are not defined by our size or any challenge or limitation. Who we truly are is who we choose to be. This book is proof that Dave's life and story are an inspiration!" -Sean Astin, actor, star of Rudy, a movie about an athlete who was told he was too small to play college football "Dave's story is an inspiration to us all!" -Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots Publishers Weekly McGillivray, the director of the Boston Marathon, tells his story of overcoming obstacles to complete the marathon for the first time. As a small child, McGillivray found strength and confidence through running. At 17, he entered the marathon without adequately training. Though he collapsed during the race, he accepted a challenge from his grandfather ("my favorite person in the whole world") to try again: "If you train and work hard, I promise to wait for you next year and cheer you on." His grandfather's untimely death served as greater motivation to complete the race. Himler works in spare, pencil-and-wash paintings that bring a quality of intimacy to the page. McGillivray's sentiments about his grandfather are tender, but in some ways narrow the focus of the story; readers are more likely to grasp the more universal message about setting realistic goals and taking a measured approach to achieving them. "Dave McGillivray's life story, fueled by running, inspires us to reach new heights and follow our passions." -Marty Walsh, Mayor of Boston "Dave McGillivray's life is an extraordinary example of a journey switched on `maximum.' Dream Big will inspire both young and old alike!" -Peter H. Reynolds, author of The Dot, founder of FableVision School Library Connection, March 2018 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. When McGillivray was growing up, he was shorter and smaller than his peers. For this reason, he was always the last one picked for sports. Undeterred, he kept his sights on his big dream: to become a professional athlete. At age 17, McGillivray entered his first Boston Marathon. He has run in the past 45 Boston Marathons and made a career of serving as race director for racing events across the country. While the writing is a bit choppy and flat in places, Himler's watercolor and pencil artwork is expressive and raises the level of this work. "You may think you know Dave from the Boston Marathon, but this is a behind-the-scenes look at how he got his start in running and the beginning of his passion for `running' the most famous marathon in the world." -Bill Rodgers, runner, 4-time winner of the Boston Marathon Kirkus Reviews There are many ways to meet a challenge, and they all don't have to come from inside. Two of the great fruits of McGillivray's story are that it applies to so many people and it is true. True stories let us know that our dreams really can come true. School Library Journal McGillivray pens an autobiographical picture book on his life and legacy as a race director for the Boston Marathon. He and coauthor Feehrer focus first on McGillivray's athletic ability and small stature, which deterred him from other sports except for running. McGillivray's persistence and strong relationship with his supportive and loving grandfather result in a goal to tackle the Boston Marathon at age 17. 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. "A compelling tale that will move everyone to chase any big dream in their heart, no matter how unlikely success seems." -Diana Nyad, author, journalist, motivational speaker, long-distance swimmer