Walking toward Peace

January 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.