FICTION

When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike

by Michelle HOUTS
illus. by Erica Magnus. 32p. notes. photos. Ohio Univ. Sept. 2016. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780821422359.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 4—A true story about legendary hiker Emma Gatewood ("Grandma Gatewood"), who solo hiked the entire Appalachian Trail at the age of 67 in 1955. Readers will learn a bit about Gatewood's early life, but the text is almost entirely dedicated to her later years and her decision to take on the more than 2,000-mile-long hike. The illustrations depict the tough situations and friendly encounters she experienced. Scenes such as her bold encounter with a bobcat are fun to contrast with those of her sitting contentedly in an armchair at home. In an afterword, readers learn she tackled the Appalachian Trail a second time, walked 2,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon, and guided hikers in her home state of Ohio. A photo of Gatewood circa 1955 appears in the back.
VERDICT This tale of grit and determination is recommended for libraries in the Appalachian region, supplemental for other geographic areas.
Reviewed by Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID
The true story of Emma Gatewood, who in 1955, at sixty-seven years old, became the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail alone in one continuous trip. Her inspiring story, told in clear, descriptive text, is accompanied by colorful (but often blurry) drawings depicting both Emma's struggles and her triumphs. A biographical note with a photo and source notes are appended.
, Sep 01, 2016

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