Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail
by Jennifer Thermes (Author)
Emma Gatewood's life was far from easy. In rural Ohio, she managed a household of 11 kids alongside a less-than-supportive husband. One day, at age 67, she decided to go for a nice long walk . . . and ended up completing the Appalachian Trail.
With just the clothes on her back and a pair of thin canvas sneakers on her feet, Grandma Gatewood hiked up ridges and down ravines. She braved angry storms and witnessed breathtaking sunrises. When things got particularly tough, she relied on the kindness of strangers or sheer luck to get her through the night. When the newspapers got wind of her amazing adventure, the whole country cheered her on to the end of her trek, which came just a few months after she set out. A story of true grit and girl power at any age, Grandma Gatewood proves that no peak is insurmountable.
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Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
Gr 2-5--This book recounts the story of how Emma "Grandma" Gatewood became the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish at the astounding age of 67. Beginning in Georgia, in the year 1955, she hiked all 2,160 miles with very little supplies and just a pair of canvas shoes on her feet. Chronicling Gatewood's journey, Thermes recounts the information in story form, making this a great example of narrative nonfiction. Fact boxes reveal tidbits of information about the trail, while maps show the pathway of her incredible trek. Thermes's artwork, done in watercolor and colored pencil, has a warm homey feel to it. Back matter includes a more detailed biography of Gatewood and some information about the trail. VERDICT Beautiful illustrations and an emphasis on the value of nature, determination, and grit make this a great nonfiction selection for any library.--Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JNF054030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Camping & Outdoor Activities
JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
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