When we moved to Vermont ten years ago, I embraced the area and really got into hiking. Ever since, it’s been one of my goals to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Hiking and getting outdoors in nature is a passion of mine that we’ve shared as a family. So, when we received a copy of the book for review we were all excited to read it.
The book tells the story of a determined 67 year old grandmother and her journey to hike the Appalachian Trail all the while striking a good balance between being educational, lighthearted and inspiring. The book starts out with a great illustration detailing the path the trail takes as well as the states and mountain ranges that make up the trail. The kids were thrilled to know that the trail passed through Vermont over the Green Mountains, asking how close it got to their grandparents house.
After 67 years, raising 11 kids without much help from her husband, Grandma Gatewood decided to set out to hike the Appalachian Trail alone. She was motivated to hike the trail after reading that no other woman had ever hiked the trail. As she progresses in her journey along the Appalachian Trail, the book details the different legs of the trail in detail. Showing maps detailing the states, mountain ranges and points of interest along her journey.
The story shares the many different challenges that might make someone less motivated leave the trail and go back home. Despite facing negative gender stereotypes, wearing through her clothes, encountering bad weather, hard to cross obstacles and bear Grandma Gatewood pushes through with the help of some unexpected friends.
The appendix of the book goes into more detail about Grandma Gatewood’s story, her repeat hike of the trail and the trail itself allowing interested readers to find out more about Grandma Gatewood.
Grandma Gatewood’s story is an inspiring and empowering one. It shows that no matter your age and despite all the obstacles in your way that if you’re motivated, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
Where you can find this book: https://amzn.to/2Klm6Zc
Age Range: 5-7y (although our almost 4 year old loved the story as well)
Publisher: ABRAMS
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Aw this sounds like such a cute story! My little one is only 2 but I’ll have to remember this one for when she gets a bit older 🙂
I love the illustrations! Looks like a fun book for little ones!
What a great message! I’ll have to share this book with friends of mine who hiked the AT before they had kids. This’ll be a great way to introduce the trail to their daughter.
What a great story, and what a badass Grandma!!! My kids are at a great age to read that. I’ll have to seek it out.
This would be a great book for teachers or home schoolers who have units that include characters from the area (i.e., Johnny Appleseed/Tall Tales), as a lesson enhancement or extension.
(So much about the Appalachian Trail has been popping up in the news lately, which I note only because I live on the opposite end of the country, and we usually don’t hear that much about it. Anyway, it’s happened so often lately that I almost laughed when this popped up!)
Wow that sounds awesome and inspirational!! I’ve never heard of the Appalachian Trail, looks like quite an amazing trek!