Finish Strong: Seven Marathons, Seven Continents, Seven Days

The motivational agenda definitely outpaces the storytelling, but readers will be swept along to the finish line.

Praise for other books by Dave McGillivray and Nancy Feehrer Dream Big A True Story of Courage and Determination 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." 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."

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. A salutary, mission-driven tribute to hard work and persistence."

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."

Running Across America A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home

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."