It took her two tries, but in 1955, sixty-seven-year-old Emma "Grandma" Gatewood became the first woman to solo hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one thru-hike. Gatewood, who left an abusive marriage after raising eleven children, has become a legend for those who hike the trail, and in her home state of Ohio, where she helped found the Buckeye Trail. In recent years, she has been the subject of a bestselling biography and a documentary film.
In When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike, Michelle Houts brings us the first children's book about her feat, which she accomplished without professional gear or even a tent. Houts chronicles the spirit of a seasoned outdoorswoman and mother of eleven whose grit and determination helped her to hike over two thousand miles. Erica Magnus's vibrant illustrations capture the wild animals, people from all walks of life, and unexpected challenges that this strong-willed woman encountered on the journey she initially called a "lark."
Children ages 4-10 will delight in this narrative nonfiction work as they accompany Emma Gatewood on the adventure of a lifetime and witness her transformation from grandmother to hiking legend, becoming "Grandma" to all.

In 1955, sixty-seven-year-old Emma "Grandma" Gatewood became the first woman to solo hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one through hike. Michelle Houts and Erica Magnus bring us the first children's book about her feat and the unexpected challenges she encountered on the journey she initially called a "lark."

About the Author
Michelle Houts holds degrees in special education and speech-language pathology. She is the author of several fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the award-winning The Beef Princess of Practical County, The Practical County Drama Queen, and Winterfrost.

Reviews
"[Children] will certainly admire the can-do message of Grandma Gatewood's story, her up-close encounters with adventures in the wild, including snakes, black flies, and bobcats, and her refusal to be stopped by a few setbacks." * WVXU *
"This compelling true tale of triumph will send kids scrambling for their sneakers so they can follow in the footsteps of a legend."
"[When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike] is an inspiring story, imparting the notion that an action as basic as walking for pleasure could result in a feat for the record books." * Booklist *
"This tale of grit and determination is recommended for libraries in the Appalachian region." * School Library Journal *
"Really, overall, well done ... it'd work particularly well in the classroom." * Literary Hoots *
"I loved the writing. Yes, it's simple as a child's book should be but it doesn't mince words. Gatewood had difficulties. She dealt with black flies. She got lost and what is the most fearful to me, she broke her glasses. Her first attempt was a failure but she persevered - the most important part of hiking any long-distance trail." * Hiker to Hiker *
"While you savor this book, please surround yourself with as many small children as possible.... [When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike] would make a great gift for youngsters who love the outdoors, especially those who live near enough to the Appalachian Trail to make their own sneaker prints on it." * Hiking for Her *


Awards
Commended for A School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2016 2016 and National Book Festival 2023 (United States).



Book Information
ISBN 9780821422359
Author Michelle Houts
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Ohio University Press
Publisher Ohio University Press