A Journey of a Thousand Steps

By: Stephen Klein

Two boys. One road. A friendship neither expected — and a secret that changes everything.

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Portland, Oregon — 1977

Set against the vivid backdrop of Portland's neighborhoods, bridges, and streets, this story captures a city — and an era — that many remember fondly and others will discover for the first time.

A Friendship Forged on the Road

Two boys from different worlds meet by chance on a single extraordinary day. What begins as small talk slowly becomes something neither of them expected — a bond built one step at a time.

Adventure, Secrets, and Courage

What starts as a charity walkathon takes a dangerous turn. Caught up in something far bigger than themselves, Ted and Frank must find the courage to do what's right — before it's too late.

Thousands gather downtown for a walkathon, a charity walk across the city

For twelve-year-old Ted Johnson, it’s just another day he expects to struggle through. At school he’s always picked last, overlooked, and unsure where he fits in the world.Then somewhere along the route he meets Frank Burnett — a boy his age who recently moved north from Mississippi. Frank has already learned what it means to be treated differently, and he carries stories Ted has never had to face.Step by step, mile by mile, the two boys begin to realize they have far more in common than they ever imagined.But when Frank witnesses something he was never supposed to see, the walk across Portland suddenly turns dangerous. A string of robberies has the police on edge, and the truth points toward people no one would suspect.Before the day is over, Ted and Frank will find themselves running through the streets of Portland — chased by secrets, suspicion, and the very people meant to keep the city safe.And by the time the final steps are taken, both boys will discover that courage, friendship, and trust can change a life forever.

About the Author: Stephen Klein

Stephen Klein grew up in Southeast Portland, Oregon — the same neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks that fill the pages of this novel. As a child he walked in the actual March of Dimes Walkathon, the same age as his narrator Ted. The larger-than-life character of Frank was inspired by someone he met and walked alongside that very day.A lifelong Pacific Northwest resident, Klein has written fiction, poetry, and articles for over two decades. A Journey of a Thousand Steps is his first novel — a story he carried inside him for years before finally putting it on the page.

Paperback

Paperback

A comfortable read with an easy-to-hold format — perfect for curling up and losing yourself in 1977 Portland.

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Hardcover

Hardcover

A keepsake edition built to last. Share it with family, pass it down, or display it proudly on your shelf.

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