Middle-Grade Biography Illuminates Eric Liddell’s Life of Faith and Fame

Eric Liddell was an Olympic sprinter, gold medalist, and world’s record holder. But despite his rising fame on the track, he was determined to dedicate his life and legacy to God alone. After his Olympic triumph in 1924, Liddell returned to China as a missionary, embodying self-sacrifice, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. 

This short and lively biography takes middle-grade readers on an exciting journey through Liddell’s life, highlighting his upbringing as a missionary kid, his battles with serious illnesses, and his imprisonment during World War II. As readers explore Liddell’s journey of faith and fame, they will discover that true success lies not in personal achievement, but in living for God’s glory and the good of others. Featuring illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions, this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series engages kids ages 8–13 in the drama of history, showing how God worked in the past through ordinary people like them. 

• Lively Biography: Explores the life of Eric Liddell, an Olympic sprinter, world’s record holder, and missionary 
• Written for Kids Ages 8–13: This short format includes illustrations, maps, timelines, and bonus sidebars to help young readers stay engaged
• Inspiring: Teaches young readers to run their life’s race for the glory of God and the good of others 
• Part of the Lives of Faith and Grace Series: Engages kids with the real-life stories of Christian men and women from history

Champ Thornton (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is director of children and family resources at Crossway and the author of numerous books for kids and families. He and his wife, Robben, live in Newark, Delaware, and have three children.