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When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike
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.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2016
About the author
Michelle Houts
17 books43 followers"My first memory of writing was when I was in first grade. I wrote an awesome retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk using my friends and myself as the characters. I don’t think my best friend was very happy when I cast her as the giant. The person who was happy, however, was my first grade teacher, Miss Course. She was so impressed that she sent me over to the second grade teacher’s classroom to show her what I had created. I remember knocking on the door of the second grade classroom and being very nervous that all those “big kids” would be looking at me when it opened. The second grade teacher, Mrs. Bryant, made a really big deal about my story! I think I decided then and there that I wanted to be a writer. Thank you, Miss Course and Mrs. Bryant!
"Fast forward A LOT of years… I always liked school, so when it came time to decide on a career, I chose to be a teacher. I went to the Ohio State University to study special education. After teaching for several years, I went back to school for a master’s degree in early childhood education. After having three children, I went back to school again for another master’s degree in speech pathology. I finished that one in 2009. See? I told you I always liked school.
"While I was at Ohio State, I met the farmer of my dreams. I always did want to live on a farm when I was a kid. I think that’s because most of my aunts, uncles, and cousins were farm folks and some of my favorite memories are from days spent in their barns, pastures, and haymows. When you fall in love with a farmer, you move to a farm, because he sure isn’t going to move to the city! So here I am.
"Here on the farm, we are raising three kids, calves, hogs, cats by the dozens, one adorable golden retriever and a goat who believes he’s a golden retriever. But that’s another story…"
"Fast forward A LOT of years… I always liked school, so when it came time to decide on a career, I chose to be a teacher. I went to the Ohio State University to study special education. After teaching for several years, I went back to school for a master’s degree in early childhood education. After having three children, I went back to school again for another master’s degree in speech pathology. I finished that one in 2009. See? I told you I always liked school.
"While I was at Ohio State, I met the farmer of my dreams. I always did want to live on a farm when I was a kid. I think that’s because most of my aunts, uncles, and cousins were farm folks and some of my favorite memories are from days spent in their barns, pastures, and haymows. When you fall in love with a farmer, you move to a farm, because he sure isn’t going to move to the city! So here I am.
"Here on the farm, we are raising three kids, calves, hogs, cats by the dozens, one adorable golden retriever and a goat who believes he’s a golden retriever. But that’s another story…"
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 9, 2018
Inspirational biography on Emma Gatewood who became the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail.
July 24, 2017
"When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike" is a picture book biography for children ages 4-10. It tells the story of Emma Rowena Caldwell Gatewood, who was the first woman to walk the entire length of the Appalachian trail. The book is set in the 1950's but the setting is mostly in nature, as Grandma Gatewood was a devoted gardener, homemaker and hiker.
What I enjoyed about the book was learning about her home-life as well as her journeys on the Appalachian Trail. Her love of nature and walking, over cities and riding in cars, is emphasized. This gave her motivation to do the hike, though her main reason for attempting it was realizing that no woman had ever done it. And this is also clearly stated in the book, which is a good thing.
The illustrations are vivid, especially the one where she was attacked by a swarm of black flies. The illustrator used accurate portrayals of Appalachian scenery, wildlife and vegetation.
People who have read about Grandma Gatewood will be satisfied with this lovely adaptation for children, and it is informative enough to serve as an overview of her life for those who haven't. But what I like this book most is the thing it was (possibly) intended to do: it makes young minds curious to find out more about this inspiring woman who exemplifies American courage and tenacity.
What I enjoyed about the book was learning about her home-life as well as her journeys on the Appalachian Trail. Her love of nature and walking, over cities and riding in cars, is emphasized. This gave her motivation to do the hike, though her main reason for attempting it was realizing that no woman had ever done it. And this is also clearly stated in the book, which is a good thing.
The illustrations are vivid, especially the one where she was attacked by a swarm of black flies. The illustrator used accurate portrayals of Appalachian scenery, wildlife and vegetation.
People who have read about Grandma Gatewood will be satisfied with this lovely adaptation for children, and it is informative enough to serve as an overview of her life for those who haven't. But what I like this book most is the thing it was (possibly) intended to do: it makes young minds curious to find out more about this inspiring woman who exemplifies American courage and tenacity.
June 15, 2024
This is an illustrated informational short biography about the first female solo through-hiker of the 2,168 mile long Appalachian Trial in 1955 (which is before I was born - that's a long time ago!) at age 67 (that's how old I am now!).
An intriguing story about the naturalist who was an inspiration to many. Full color illustrations by Erica Magnus are fuzzy, almost like a memory. The style is similar to what would have been found in books from the 1950's. I call it a "short story", as the illustrations are a companion to the text and not necessarily integral. This story can stand on its own. Backmatter includes information on other hikes made by Gatewood and a photo of her in 1955.
Inspiring, but not exceptional. Recommended for grades 2-5.
An intriguing story about the naturalist who was an inspiration to many. Full color illustrations by Erica Magnus are fuzzy, almost like a memory. The style is similar to what would have been found in books from the 1950's. I call it a "short story", as the illustrations are a companion to the text and not necessarily integral. This story can stand on its own. Backmatter includes information on other hikes made by Gatewood and a photo of her in 1955.
Inspiring, but not exceptional. Recommended for grades 2-5.
March 24, 2017
I was afraid my 3rd graders would tap out on Grandma Gatewood because it has a lot of text. Boy, was I wrong!! They were riveted by this story. Was it because she was from Ohio? Was it because she told off a bobcat? Was it because she braved the black flies? Was it because she was bound and determined to complete her Appalachian Trial hike? Was it because they could understand the stamina it took to complete it? Yes to all of these things! Although this book didn't make it very far on our March Madness Bracket, the kids still found value in it, and learned about someone definitely worth knowing!
July 22, 2017
Senior power and "girl" power meet in this picture book biography of Emma Gatewood, who at 67 became the first woman to travel solo successfully across the Appalachian Trail in one fell swoop. After a false try that included a meet-up with "bitey" blackflies, broken spectacles, and getting lost, Grandma tried again. But she did it! This story will inspire readers to get up their gumption to accomplish goals. Good back matter, too.
May 22, 2020
Nice picture book by an Ohio author (and Ohio University Press) about the famous woman who was the first to hike the entire Appalachian Trail by herself, at age 68. The illustrations are okay, not outstanding. I like that it includes source notes and that the author got some information from Emma Gatewood's great-granddaughter Marjorie Wood.
May 27, 2021
I bought this book for a friend’s son. I haven’t given it to him yet so I have no idea if he likes it, but I read it just for fun and really enjoyed it. It’s a cute story with really nice illustrations. I think it’s a great way to introduce young readers to thruhiking and teach them about the determination of girl power! Grandma Gatewood was an inspiration.
July 30, 2021
Nice story about a woman who became the first woman to through hike the Appalachian Trail (after failing the first time) and the first person to do it twice.
She did it many years ago before the nice things people can take on the trail now.
And she practiced for hiking by walking over the hills and mountains where she lived.
She did it many years ago before the nice things people can take on the trail now.
And she practiced for hiking by walking over the hills and mountains where she lived.
May 29, 2019
Fascinating book about a grandmother who hiked the Appalachian Trail! The writing wasn’t superb...it jumped all over the place. But the story was still very interesting!
July 14, 2019
Loved it! Should be shared with everyone so we can all take courage and try to do the impossible!
March 6, 2017
A super cute and colorful biography that is based on the adult book, "Grandma Gatewood's Walk."
The illustrations showcase a richness of color -- much like you'd see if you were hiking during the spring, summer, or fall.
Excellent!
The illustrations showcase a richness of color -- much like you'd see if you were hiking during the spring, summer, or fall.
Excellent!
February 26, 2017
SUMMARY
When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike tells the true story of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to walk the Appalachian Trail. It accompanies her story of trial, error, and sheer willpower with soft, colorful illustrations dabbled with colloquial dialogue and narrative and descriptive words. The end of the book is cited with a photo of the real-life Emma Gatewood, pictured in 1955 at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, as well as a note form the author on both the overall theme of triumph in the face of impossibility, and the source notes.
RESPONSE
This story is spunky, just like Emma Gatewood herself. It tells of determination in the face of doubt by letting us into Gatewood’s thoughts. This is a work of nonfiction, while still dramatizing her inner thoughts based off of the source material used by the author. It reads as an entertaining and inspiring narrative for children. “‘I Did it. I said I’d do it, and I’ve done it!’” (n.p.) The message of this story is to continue on and push forward in your goals, even if you initially face failure and obstruction.
When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike tells the true story of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to walk the Appalachian Trail. It accompanies her story of trial, error, and sheer willpower with soft, colorful illustrations dabbled with colloquial dialogue and narrative and descriptive words. The end of the book is cited with a photo of the real-life Emma Gatewood, pictured in 1955 at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, as well as a note form the author on both the overall theme of triumph in the face of impossibility, and the source notes.
RESPONSE
This story is spunky, just like Emma Gatewood herself. It tells of determination in the face of doubt by letting us into Gatewood’s thoughts. This is a work of nonfiction, while still dramatizing her inner thoughts based off of the source material used by the author. It reads as an entertaining and inspiring narrative for children. “‘I Did it. I said I’d do it, and I’ve done it!’” (n.p.) The message of this story is to continue on and push forward in your goals, even if you initially face failure and obstruction.
February 19, 2017
First woman to hike the Appalachian trail...at 67 in 1955. What a lady!
August 17, 2017
Having read an adult biography of Grandma Gatewood, I was interested to see what Michelle Houts decided to include in this biography for children. I think the book is great and would be inspiring for children. Erica Magnus's pictures of Grandma Gatewood particularly, and also of the Appalachian Trail, have something special in the fullness of their natural detail and in the humanity of Grandma Gatewood, and are truly terrific. You can just feel Grandma Gatewood striding along and there's a particularly lovely one of her by her campfire. The book is full of the sense that both the author and the illustrator cared a great deal about their subject.
November 27, 2016
Inspiring story of a spunky older woman who hiked the Appalachian Trail. Good for talking to kids about perseverance and fulfilling your dreams, although some might lose interest because of the text-heavy narrative.
December 5, 2016
Well written; made me want to read more about her.
January 25, 2017
Never underestimate the vitality of a grandmother - this one hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1955 at age 67, in sneakers and a hand-sewn bag.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews