Walking toward Peace: The True Story of a Brave Woman Called Peace Pilgrim

by Kathleen Krull, Annie Bowler (Illustrator)

Overview

She gave up everything: her home, her possessions, even her real name. She called herself Peace Pilgrim, put on her sneakers, and started off on her quest to walk thousands of miles all around America. Step by step, mile after mile, Peace Pilgrim traveled tirelessly, inviting everyone she met to consider a world where each person and each nation chooses peace.

This true story about a little-known woman who sacrificed everything for her convictions inspires us to step out for what we believe in, gathering others to join us along the way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781947888265
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	03/23/2021
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	1,068,146
Product dimensions:	10.50(w) x 9.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Kathleen Krull, known for her innovative biographies of adventurous and inspiring people, was the author of more than 100 books for young readers. She received many accolades for her work, including the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, the Christopher Award, numerous best-of-the-year citations and ALA awards, and many body-of-work honors. For more information, visit www.kathleenkrull.com.

Annie Bowler is the illustrator of Walking toward Peace by Kathleen Krull and A Very Big Problem by Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. Both picture books were named Junior Library Guild Selections. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, 3x3 Illustration, and the Society of Illustrators. For more information, visit www.anniebowler.com.

Editorial Reviews

01/11/2021

In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Krull presents the story of Peace Pilgrim, a woman who decided, in the wake of WWII and at the age of 44, to give up her name, former life, and possessions to walk across the United States speaking to individuals and addressing groups about peace. “Walking for twenty-eight years,” Peace Pilgrim relied on the kindness of others in order to fulfill her needs for food and shelter. Krull echoes Peace Pilgrim’s “commonsense way” in her simple prose (“Step by step, east and west, north and south, she zigzagged across the country”), while Bowler’s mellow color palette and dynamic art portray the white woman and iconic blue tunic. An intriguing portrait of a little-known activist. Back matter includes more about Peace Pilgrim. Ages 3–7. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"This bright, cheerful biography of social activist Peace Pilgrim starts with her desire to make the world better and her idea to walk across the United States spreading a message of peace. Kathleen Krull focuses on concrete details that make Peace Pilgrim come alive as a real person. . . . Annie Bowler's illustrations perfectly complement the upbeat tone of the story with light, fresh colors; charming details; and friendly expressions on the faces of a diverse array of people." —Friends Journal

Walking toward Peace is a Junior Library Guild Selection.

"In this inspiring story, the young reader will travel with Peace Pilgrim across the county...A good way to start conversations about choosing peace."—Kirkus Reviews

"An inspiring tale for budding activists."—Foreword Reviews

"Imagine walking for 28 years. Crisscrossing the U.S. on foot, carrying only the bare essentials, talking to people about peace. This is how a remarkable woman who went by the name of Peace Pilgrim—convinced that if we all believed in peace as a way of life, there would be no more war—devoted her life to changing the world in the only way she knew how. Krull, the acclaimed and prolific biographer, does not disappoint with her latest. The narrative is sufficiently detailed to capture the motivation and spirit of Peace Pilgrim and the people she met along her walks, leaving the reader wanting to know more. The even, steady pacingis perfectly complemented by Bowler's crisp illustrations, which capture the serenity, gravity, and joy of Peace Pilgrim's mission." —Booklist (starred review)

"In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Krull presents the story of Peace Pilgrim, a woman who decided, in the wake of WWII and at the age of 44, to give up her name, former life, and possessions to walk across the United States speaking to individuals and addressing groups about peace...An intriguing portrait of a little-known activist."—Publishers Weekly

"An invitation to find our own ways to make the world a more peaceful place."  – Spirituality & Practice

From the Publisher

2020-11-27
“Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” These words are as applicable today as they were when they were spoken by a little-known historical figure who decided to make a pilgrimage for peace.

On New Year’s Day 1953, after years of training to get ready and even giving up her former identity, Peace Pilgrim began her walk from the West Coast to the East Coast. She wore “simple sneakers and a blue shirt printed with her name.” Everywhere she went, she talked to people about peace. In addition to her name, she gave up everything she owned to walk across the United States. She carried no money and “preferred to walk on mountain trails, beaches, paths in the forest—quiet places where she could talk to a few people at a time.” Her goal was to walk 25,000 miles so that “in a country that could think only of war, she would spread peace.” In straightforward, simple text, Krull relates how for Peace Pilgrim, walking was a prayer for peace, and along the way she influenced others to feel the same way. In this inspiring story, the young reader will travel with Peace Pilgrim across the county, guided by Bowler’s engaging illustrations that show the increasingly aged White woman making her way among a diversity of places and people. Calm, stable compositions reinforce the message.

A good way to start conversations about choosing peace. (biographical note, sources) (Picture book/biography. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews