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Table of Contents
About The Book
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.
About The Author
Photo courtesy of 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.
About The Illustrator
Photo courtesy of 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.
Product Details
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books (June 16, 2026)
- Length: 48 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665949958
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
* "Lace up those boots! An original, inspired account of a stalwart backpacker’s story sure to spur readers to take a hike."
– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
"This is a terrific book for talking about the Appalachian Trail and hiking, and about dealing with post-traumatic stress, setting goals, and persevering. An excellent addition to collections needing picture book biographies."
– School Library Journal
"This biography documents an impressive feat, though, particularly to modern thru-hiking minimalists, and should make a pleasant addition where stories about backcountry adventures and the healing power of nature circulate well. Pair this with Jennifer Thermes’ Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail."
– Booklist
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Long Hike
Fixed Layout eBook 9781665949958
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Author Photo (jpg): Meghan McCarthy Photo courtesy of the author(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
