Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail

Critically acclaimed artist Jennifer Thermes's picture book Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail is a true inspiring story told with "beautiful illustrations and an emphasis on the value of nature, determination, and grit" (School Library Journal).

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 GatewoodHikes the Appalachian Trail proves that no peak is insurmountable.


Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 05/08/2018
Pages: 48
Weight: 1.3lbs
Size: 11.20h x 9.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781419728396
Age: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 501257 / Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2018
School Library Journal 03/01/2018 pg. 141
Booklist 04/01/2018 pg. 66
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2018 pg. 195 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Jennifer Thermes is the children's book author and illustrator of Charles Darwin's Around-the-World Adventure and an accomplished map illustrator. She lives in Connecticut.