The First Marathon: The Legend of Pheidippides

I read this book to my six-year-olds and they were spellbound. By the end of the story I was bawling, but the author did such a wonderful job describing the hero and his courage that they understood why and felt the emotion, too. I love the story of Phidippides and through this book, my boys now love it. The illustrations are a bit cartoonish, but it holds their attention and doesn't detract from the story. They have asked for it to be read many times and when we go to the gym they 'run a marathon'. I'm so glad there's a book which makes the courage, bravery and nobility of Phidippides accessible to children. Most teens and adults would enjoy this book as well as it easily explains the story without dumbing it down. Read it. And then go running!