This month we have a special spotlight on running-themed books, given our participation in the 2023 TCS Marathon. In the spirit of getting active, we've created a suggested booklist to highlight stories about physical exercise—whether it be running, racing, biking or some other activity—and how important it is to keep our bodies healthy. Our curated selection features Canadian books for all ages.
Picture Books
Fast Friends
Author: Heather M. O'Connor
Illustrator: Claudia Dávila
Publisher: Scholastic Canada, 2020
Interest Level: Ages 3–7
Reading Level: Grades 2–3
Tyson does everything too fast—often disrupting the class. His teacher is always saying, “Too fast, Tyson!” Then Suze joins the class. She wears a helmet, just like a race car driver, that matches her shiny red wheelchair. Tyson forms a special friendship with Suze, and teaches his classmates what it means to listen and understand others. Available in French as Amis instantanés.
I Can, Too!
Author: Karen Autio
Illustrator: Laura Watson
Publisher: Scholastic Canada, 2022
Interest Level: Ages 3–7
Reading Level: Grades 1–2
Piper and Kayla love to move. They ride bikes, glide on ice, swoosh down mountains—each in her own way. This affirming and inclusive picture book shines a much-needed spotlight on kids who use special gear to navigate the world. Learn more about adaptive devices in the back matter. Available in French as Moi aussi, je peux !
Joseph's Big Ride
Author: Terry Farrish
Illustrator: Ken Daley
Publisher: Annick Press, 2017 © 2016
Interest Level: Ages 4–7
Reading Level: Grades 1–2
In the refugee camp where he lived, seven-year-old Joseph wanted one thing—to ride a bike. In America, Joseph spots the perfect-sized bike. It belongs to a girl he names Whoosh. When she crashes her bike, Joseph fixes it and Whoosh offers him a ride. At first he is shaky, but soon he is riding, and the two new friends take turns until the moon comes up.
Ready, Set, Go!
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Publisher: Scholastic Canada, 2015
Interest Level: Ages 3–8
Reading Level: Grades 1–2
Miranda’s dad is running in his first big race, and Miranda needs to get him some water before it starts! But then the starter’s horn goes off! Miranda grabs a water bottle and dashes down the course, asking runners if they have seen her dad. Finally, Miranda gets to the finish line, where she finds her father... and gets a big surprise! Available in French as Un, deux, trois, partez !
Junior & Intermediate Fiction
Jordan and Max, Race Day
Author: Suzanne Sutherland
Illustrator: Michelle Simpson
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers, 2024
Interest Level: Ages 6-8
Reading Level: Grades 1-3
When Max tells Jordan that their school's end-of-year carnival will include the Massey Obstacle Olympics, Jordan is super excited. He's been jogging with his grandmother and dreaming of the chance to be in a real race. Even though chatter at school does make the obstacle course sound intimidating, and the new kid, Ivan, is trying to scare him off, Jordan knows that, with Max as his coach, he's ready for anything.
Lone Runner (Sports Stories)
Author: Dirk McLean
Publisher: Lorimer, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4594-1592-8
Interest Level: Ages 10–14
Reading Level: Grades 3–4
Michaela is a loner and, as a sprinter, this suited her well. But when the new school year begins, Michaela is determined to make new friends and fit in. She decides to give cross-country running a try. At least it’s running, and she’s good at that. But does Michaela have what it takes to be part of a team?
Plunge (Orca Sports)
Author: Eric Howling
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4598-1419-6
Interest Level: Ages 10 and up
Reading Level: Grades 3–4
Fourteen-year-old Cade and his family are headed to the provincial triathlon championship. But the road trip takes a nasty turn when Cade's dad swerves to avoid a deer and their car hurtles into an icy river. It's up to Cade to swim, bike and run to save his entire family.
Run
Author: David Skuy
Publisher: DCB Young Readers, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-77086-488-7
Interest Level: Ages 10–12
Reading Level: Grades 5–6
Lionel lives a lonely life in the shadows, staying invisible to avoid attracting the attention of bullies at school and at home. Then he discovers running. He is invited to join the track team and, even more surprisingly, he begins to make friends. Lionel desperately wants to be happy, even if it means doing the unthinkable—leaving the shadows forever.
Running Through It
Author: Lorie Scarfarotti
Publisher: Red Deer Press, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-88995-668-1
Interest Level: Ages 10–14
Reading Level: Grades 5–6
Josie is a 400-metre runner and, in eighth grade, working towards qualifying for City Championships. As the big race approaches, she is missing the support of her father, who is dying of cancer. She has difficulty acknowledging his condition, but when his cancer becomes too advanced to ignore, she must find a way to say goodbye.
The Theory of Hummingbirds
Author: Michelle Kadarusman
Publisher: Pajama Press, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-77278-035-2
Interest Level: Ages 9–12
Reading Level: Grades 4–5
Levi, who has a theory for everything, has been Alba's best friend since forever. Alba was born with a left foot—which she calls Cleo—that is "directionally challenged" and now, after a final surgery, the last cast is coming off and Alba is determined to run in the sixth-grade cross-country race. Her decision causes a falling-out with Levi, who is preoccupied with wormholes.
Young Adult Fiction
Zombie Apocalypse Running Club
Author: Carrie Mac
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, 2024
Interest Level: 14-18
Reading Level: 9-12
Eira and Soren are queer twins living with their survivalist parents when a plague starts spreading that turns people into zombie-like monsters. They disagree with their parents about a lot, but they can't deny that their way of life keeps them safe while much of the world perishes--for now. When it becomes clear that their safety won't last, the twins decide to strike out on their own.
They don't get far before encountering the one remaining person in the closest town: their friend Racer, a gold medal-winning Special Olympics champion. Racer is appalled at the twins’ slow speed and tells them that their survivalist skills aren't worth anything if they can't outrun the monsters. He sets them on a training regimen that comes in handy when they embark on the bigger journey ahead of them.
Girl on the Run
Author: B.R. Myers
Publisher: Nimbus Publishing, 2015
Interest Level: Ages 12 and up
Reading Level: Grades 7–8
Seventeen-year-old running star Jesse’s dreams of a scholarship end after her dad dies of a heart attack while coaching her. She escapes to a job as a summer camp counsellor, but a mix-up puts her in charge of a group of boy misfits. In the midst of chaos, Jesse finds the inspiration to run again from an unlikely source.
Running on Empty (Orca Sports)
Author: Sonya Spreen Bates
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers, 2018
Interest Level: Ages 12 and up
Reading Level: Grades 4–5
A freak accident changes everything for Leon. Suddenly, no more running, no scholarship, no college. Then he meets sassy Casey De Vries, and life doesn't look so bleak. She even gets him running again—no more sprinting, but longer distances. But something is not quite right with Casey. How can he help her if she won't tell him what’s going on?
Non-Fiction
Meet Terry Fox (Scholastic Canada Biography)
Author: Elizabeth MacLeod
Illustrator: Mike Deas
Publisher: Scholastic Canada, 2020
Interest Level: Ages 6–10
Reading Level: Grades 2–3
This picture book biography tells the story of how Terry Fox came to run the Marathon of Hope: his love of sports; the bone cancer diagnosis; the hospital stay that inspired him to raise money for cancer research; dipping his artificial leg in the waters of St. John's, Newfoundland; and the heartbreaking moment his run ended. Available in French as Voici Terry Fox.
See How We Move: A First Book of Health and Well-Being (Exploring Our Community)
Author/Illustrator: Scot Ritchie
Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2018
Interest Level: Ages 4–7
Reading Level: Grades 2–3
Join five young friends as they get ready for a swim meet! While the friends work hard, preparing their bodies and minds for the competition, they discover the benefits of physical fitness and learn about many important aspects of active, healthy living. This engaging introduction to physical and health education encourages children to see physical fitness as fun, social and rewarding.
The Man Who Ran Faster Than Everyone: The Story of Tom Longboat
Author: Jack Batten
Publisher: Tundra Books, 2002
Interest Level: Ages 10 and up
Reading Level: Grades 5–6
A member of the Onondaga Nation, Tom Longboat was born on the Six Nations reserve in Oshwegen, near Brantford, Ontario. Despite poverty, poor training and prejudice, he went on to become one of the world’s best runners. In 1907, at the height of his fame, Longboat won the Boston Marathon and ran in the 1908 Olympic Marathon. He was one of the best-known people of his day, and certainly the most prominent member of the Six Nations. Throughout his career he had to race against opponents, as well as rumors of illegal running activities. Nevertheless, he maintained his dignity, and his achievements still inspire people who understand the great pleasure of running, and running fast.
Posted: 09/22/2023