A Celebration of Books,
Writers & LIterary Excellence

Save the Date


Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 16, 2026

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park


Derrick Barnes

Featured Title: Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry
Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry

From award-winning creators, Derrick Barnes, Frank Morrison, and Dr. Christian Gregory comes the true story of comedian and activist Dick Gregory’s remarkable Food Run of 1976.

1 man. 1,011 hours. 3,200 miles. 7 million steps.

What would you do?

In April of 1976, Dick Gregory sets off on a Herculean and grueling two-and-a-half month run. His goal: to raise awareness about the epidemic of poverty and hunger in America.

Sleeping in motels and consuming nothing but fruit juices, vitamins and water, he runs from Los Angeles to New York City. And in each city, he stops to speak the truth about injustice. About the plight of the penniless. About the hopeless.

Lyrical text, stunning art, and compelling backmatter come together to ask you—yes you—what would you do if you had a wild idea to stand up for something you believe in? Find out how far Dick Gregory’s belief in feeding the hungry took him in this unforgettable story of an incredible journey that still reverberates today.

About Derrick Barnes

Derrick Barnes is the creator of The New York Times best-selling companion picture books “The King of Kindergarten” and “The Queen of Kindergarten.” His graphic novel, “Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice,” was a National Book Award finalist and won many other awards. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning picture book “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut,” which received a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. Derrick currently lives in Charlotte, N.C., with his enchanting wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes, and their four sons, the Mighty Barnes Brothers

Derrick will be presenting “Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory’s Run for the Hungry.”

Instagram: @authorderrickdbarnes