Meet Tom Longboat (Scholastic Canada Biography)

About this book

Meet Tom Longboat, world-famous Onondaga runner who broke both records and stereotypes.

On a cold and windy April day in 1907, Tom Longboat beat a crowd of top runners to win the famous Boston Marathon. His exhilarating, record-breaking performances earned him legions of fans in Canada and around the world. But there is more to his story than being a famous athlete. Tom volunteered and bravely served in WWI. He was dedicated to his family and community. Tom didn’t always win, but he always worked hard with his head held high. Tom did things the way he knew was right . . . and achieved success on his own terms.

Reviews

"A fantastic way to introduce one of Canada’s truly great sports heroes to young readers. This amazing Indigenous athlete broke both world records and stereotypes and MacLeod and Deas bring history to life in this engaging biography." (Meet Tom Longboat) — The Globe and Mail

Author Elizabeth MacLeod has an indisputable flair for storytelling, and biographical details are relayed in a readable and relatable manner. As a child, “Tom had many chores to do, but he still made time for fun. He liked to chase after the cows.” He also escaped abuses at residential school by literally running away. Mike Deas’s energetic, colourful illustrations are packed with early 20th-century details, including bespoke period fashions, and panoramic views of streets lined with marathon spectators. Speech bubbles extend the text and capture fickle public attitudes, from the congratulatory cheers of “You’re top dog, Tom!” at the height of his celebrity, to gossipy sneers when Longboat retired from racing and found a job as a street cleaner in Depression-era Toronto. Longboat’s honest assuredness and resolve remained undeterred: “What a sky! I love working outdoors.” (Meet Tom Longboat) — Quill & Quire

Praise for Scholastic Canada Biography:

"The story is fast paced, with dramatic, emotion-filled scenes. Highly recommended." (Meet Viola Desmond) — CM.

Extras

See more about the Scholastic Canada Biography series.

Scholastic Canada Biography: Meet Tom Longboat Teacher's Guide