We received Eric’s Greatest Race from Timberdoodle Co for our honest review!
As a homeschool mom, I look for books that encourage thoughtful conversations about character, purpose, and the choices we make. Eric’s Greatest Race, written by Tim Challies and illustrated by Paul Mignard, would make a meaningful addition to our high school lessons on self-improvement, confidence, perseverance, and world religions.
This graphic biography introduces Eric Liddell as an Olympic athlete, Christian missionary, and prisoner during World War II. His story includes his decision not to compete on a Sunday during the 1924 Olympics because of his religious convictions—a choice that offers plenty for teens to discuss.
This graphic biography introduces Eric Liddell as an Olympic athlete, Christian missionary, and prisoner during World War II. His story includes his decision not to compete on a Sunday during the 1924 Olympics because of his religious convictions—a choice that offers plenty for teens to discuss.
For our self-improvement and confidence lessons, I appreciate the opportunity to explore what it means to know your values and make decisions that reflect them. Teenagers face pressure to gain approval, fit in, and achieve. Liddell’s story invites students to ask: What does success mean to me? Would I stand by my convictions if doing so cost me an important opportunity? These are valuable questions as our high schoolers develop independence and a stronger sense of identity.
The book also provides a starting point for discussing perseverance beyond achievement. Following Liddell’s life from athletics to missionary work and wartime imprisonment allows students to consider how someone’s purpose can endure through changing circumstances. I would use that progression to discuss discipline, adapting when plans change, and continuing to act with integrity when life becomes difficult. Students could reflect on a personal setback and identify practical steps toward moving forward.
As a Muslim homeschool family, I also see value in including this book in our world religions studies. It is written from an explicitly Christian perspective, giving us an opportunity to examine how one individual’s understanding of his faith shaped his decisions. We could discuss religious commitment, service, and conscience while recognizing differences between Christian and Islamic beliefs. I would pair it with other resources so students understand that Liddell’s experience represents one person’s convictions rather than every Christian’s practice.
Although the publisher places the book within its ages 8–12 offerings, I would use its accessible graphic format as a supplemental high school reading. The depth would come through our discussions, historical research, and reflective writing. A particularly useful response prompt would be: “How can confidence in your values help you persevere when your goals and circumstances change?”
Eric’s Greatest Race would be a worthwhile addition to our homeschool because it connects personal growth with real decisions and consequences. It offers an inviting way to explore how faith, courage, discipline, and purpose can influence the life a person chooses to lead.
