The Long Hike: The True Story of the First Appalachian Thru-Hike
Jun 2026 · Sold by Simon and Schuster
Ebook
48
Pages
family_home
Eligible
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About this ebook
Award-winning nonfiction creator Meghan McCarthy tells the “original, inspired account” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) 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.
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.
Award-winning nonfiction creator Meghan McCarthy tells the “original, inspired account” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) 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 I...
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About the author
Meghan McCarthy is the award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children, including Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs; Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton; Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum; City Hawk: The Story of Pale Male; Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse; All That Trash; and Action! A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she lives in New York City. Visit her at Meghan-McCarthy.com.
Meghan McCarthy is the award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children, including Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs; Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton; Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum; City Hawk: The Story of Pale Ma...
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