The Man in Motion: How Rick Hansen's World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities

The inspiring story of Canadian hero Rick Hansen, who wheeled around the world to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities

In 1973, at the age of 15, Rick Hansen was in a life-changing car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Twelve years later, motivated by the challenges he faced, Rick embarked on the two-year-long Man In Motion World Tour, wheeling 40,075 kilometers through 34 countries on four continents.

Despite the many obstacles Rick encountered during the Tour, he never gave up on his dream: to raise awareness about the enormous potential of people with disabilities. His tour raised $26 million to help with the creation of an accessible and inclusive world.

Written in consultation with Rick Hansen and dynamically illustrated, this biographical picture book invites readers to join Rick through the ups and downs of the Man In Motion World Tour and shows the power of perseverance and dedication.

RICK HANSEN is a Canadian Paralympian, activist, and philanthropist. He is best known for his Man In Motion World Tour, wheeling over 24,900 miles (40,000 kilometers) around the world to raise awareness for spinal cord injury research. Rick was paralyzed in 1973 at age 15, and since then has been a symbol of determination and inclusivity. He is the founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation, which promotes accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities across Canada and around the world.

LORNA SCHULTZ NICHOLSON is an award-winning author of over fifty books. She has published middle grade fiction, young adult fiction, non-fiction sports books, and picture books including What to Bring. Lorna met Rick at a hockey game and knew that his story needed to be told to inspire today's generation of kids. She lives in Penticton, British Columbia.

EMMA FITZGERALD is both an author and illustrator. Her children's book illustrations include A Pocket of Time: The Poetic Childhood of Elizabeth Bishop, which was shortlisted for the Elizabeth Mrazik Cleaver Award in 2020. She makes her home in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.