SLJ Reviews – May, 2026
MCCARTHY, Meghan. The Long Hike: The True Story of the First Appalachian Thru-Hike. ­S. & S./ Beach Lane. Jun. 2026.  Gr 1-5
Earl Shaffer was a World War II veteran who had an idea to “walk the war out of his system” and set out to hike the Appalachian Trail from the beginning in Georgia to the end in Maine. In 1948, no one had ever hiked the trail all in one go, which is called a thru-hike. Because the trail is through forests and mountains, hikers must carry everything they need, including food, shelter, and their clothing. There is a wonderful image showing some of the things that Shaffer carried with him, in addition to the gorgeous mountain scenes. The book focuses on the journal that Shaffer kept during his walk, covering the joy of the endeavor, the arduous nature of the trip, the pleasure of being alone as well as the thrill of meeting someone else along the way. This is a terrific book for talking about the Appalachian Trail and hiking, and about dealing with post-traumatic stress, setting goals, and persevering.
‍VERDICT An excellent addition to collections needing picture book biographies. –Debbie Tanner

KIRKUS REVIEWS - May, 1, 2026
THE LONG HIKE [STARRED REVIEW]
The True Story of the First Appalachian Thru-Hike‍
A World War II veteran becomes the first person to hike the Appalachian Trail continuously from end to end.It’s 1945, and Earl Shaffer feels lost and depressed. Seeking the “restorative embrace of nature,” he decides to “walk the war out of [his] system.” Using tidbits from Shaffer’s own journal, McCarthy shares general hiking information while meticulously charting Shaffer’s journey from Georgia to Maine. Like the Appalachian Trail, the narrative is lengthy, but those who persevere will be glad they did. Well-chosen anecdotes are captivating, sharing how Shaffer forwent socks in order to toughen his feet, recounting his brush with a naughty raccoon, and re-creating the “selfie” he took marking the end of his historic trip. Quotations from Shaffer’s notebooks, printed in a handwriting typeface, give readers a sense of his keen mind and dry wit: “Sang Lullaby Yodel as I hiked. My voice must terrify wild things.” The author concludes by discussing Shaffer’s lifelong advocacy for the trail; the book is capped by in-depth backmatter. Handsome acrylic paintings with McCarthy’s signature large-eyed, cartoon-style caricatures atop more realistic landscapes tell stories all their own. A gorgeously striated fire providing warmth, a swimmer in a vast, painterly lake, or a dwarfed Shaffer traversing overgrown paths all communicate the expansiveness of the trek. Grounded palettes evoke ruggedness, while Polaroid-like vignettes create a documentary feel.
Lace up those boots! An original, inspired account of a stalwart backpacker’s story sure to spur readers to take a hike. (author’s note, bibliography, photos, map, glossary) (Picture-book biography. 5-11)