Review by Booklist Review
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 Only Woman in the Photo, 2020), 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 pacing is perfectly complemented by Bowler's crisp illustrations, which capture the serenity, gravity, and joy of Peace Pilgrim's mission. Astute readers will notice that Peace Pilgrim is always surrounded by ethereal, feathery shapes and will wonder at their symbolism. There is much to admire about Peace Pilgrim's life, particularly her quiet determination and resilience--and her faith in humankind, which bears out. Strangers give her shelter, food, supplies, and company, and they are as much a part of this book as she is. Which is precisely the point. Pair with Jennifer Thermes' Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail (2018).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly 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. "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.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Self-named Peace Pilgrim began to spread her vision for "a golden age of peace, a world with no fighting between people or nations" after World War II. This compassionate biography follows her twenty-eight-year odyssey, walking cross-country seven times with only a few personal care items and maps -- but no money. Along the way, she spoke to anyone who would listen and relied on the kindness of strangers for food and a place to sleep. Krull's text is as unhurried as Peace Pilgrim's journey and emphasizes her subject's tenacity. Bowler's reflective illustrations convey Peace Pilgrim's quiet power. An endnote adds more detail about Peace Pilgrim's life and legacy and includes a source list. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
"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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
