WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY : The Long Hike by Meghan McCarthy



ABOUT THE BOOK

Award-winning nonfiction creator Meghan McCarthy tells the story of Earl Shaffer, the first person to thru-hike all 2,000-plus miles of the Appalachian Trail in one hiking season in this empowering picture book.

While serving in World War II, Earl Shaffer lost his best friend in combat. After the war ended, he returned home and set off on a hiking adventure to walk off his troubles and find solace in the beauty and “power of nature,” as he put it in his diary.

Earl didn’t use a tent, preferring to sleep under the stars. He survived the cold, harsh rain, mud, blisters, steep mountaintops, and a plethora of bugs. But among the challenges, Earl also discovered wildlife, beautiful plants, and breathtaking views.

Since that first historic hike, Earl’s story has inspired generations of people to quite literally follow in his footsteps. And now, utilizing snippets from Earl’s diary and poetry, this book allows young readers to join Earl on that record-breaking hike.

REVIEW

Earl Shaffer returned from the Pacific after serving in World War II, ready for the 'power of nature' to soothe his troubled spirit. Filling his pack with food, clothing, a hatchet, and other camping supplies, he sets off from northern Georgia planning to hike the Appalachian Trail from beginning to end. Using photographs from her own hikes along the trail and information provided by Earl himself, McCarthy shares a glimpse into a remarkable journey. Expository text highlights the main events and timeline of Shaffer's trip, while quotes and poems from Earl's notes provide a look at what he experienced. Despite the challenges of the journey including bad weather, poorly maintained trails, blisters, and bugs, Early manages to complete his journey, becoming the first recorded person to complete the trail in one fell swoop. McCarthy's traditional cartoon-like characters jump off the page in her gorgeous paintings giving readers a chance to see the incredible views that lead people to make the attempt at the over 2,000 mile journey. An important reminder of the value of the natural world in helping people overcome challenges while enjoying the beauties of nature. Back matter includes a selected bibliography, additional information about the current trail, and an author's note with photographs as well as some common trail lingo. Highly recommended.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

Image
Welcome to my Lucky Leprechaun giveaway. This giveaway is being hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer , Books Complete Me , and Author Cindy Thomas . See here for a list of the other giveaways. I thought long and hard about how to do this giveaway.  I wanted to do something different but still relatively simple. So, for this giveaway I am offering,  a Middle Grade or YA book or books from  The Book Depository up to $20,  the book needs to have green on the cover (we are celebrating St. Patrick's Day after all). Rules: You must be 13 to enter. You must live somewhere The Book Depository ships to.  Check here . One entry per person. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Don't feel like you absolutely have to pick a cover with green if you can't find one you like.  But look below for some ideas. Feel free to add comments with further ideas and I'll add them. Thanks. Winner will be contacted within 48 hours of the end of the giveawa...
Read more

Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop

Image
Welcome to the Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop being hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Murphy's Library . I'm excited to participate in this giveaway hop because I am a huge fan of happily ever after stories.  I love happy endings! Here are the choices available for this giveaway.  Note: I will probably be adding to this as I get suggestions.  GIVEAWAY To be entered to win a e-book or print copy of one of the above books, complete the mandatory entry in the Rafflecopter form below. After you complete the mandatory entry, more will be unlocked and you may complete which ever of those you would like. Giveaway is open internationally to where ever The Book Depository ships and ends October 14, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more

YA MYTHOLOGY GIVEAWAY HOP

Image
Welcome to my YA Mythology Giveaway. This giveaway hop is being hosted by  For Those About to Read & I Am A Reader Not A Writer . For this giveaway I am offering a book of your choice related to mythology (young adult or middle grade) up to $20 from the Book Depository. Here are some possible choices:               To be entered to win a YA/MG mythology book of your choice from the Book Depository, complete the mandatory entry in the Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 13 to enter. After you complete the mandatory entry, more will be unlocked and you may complete which ever of those you would like. This giveaway is international, as long as the Book Depository ships to you. Giveaway ends November 4, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway  
Read more