Michelle Houts holds degrees in special education and speech-language pathology. She is the author of several fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the award-winning The Beef Princess of Practical County, The Practical County Drama Queen, and Winterfrost.

"[Children] will certainly admire the can-do message of Grandma Gatewood's story, her up-close encounters with adventures in the wild, including snakes, black flies, and bobcats, and her refusal to be stopped by a few setbacks." (WVXU) "This compelling true tale of triumph will send kids scrambling for their sneakers so they can follow in the footsteps of a legend." "[When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike] is an inspiring story, imparting the notion that an action as basic as walking for pleasure could result in a feat for the record books." (Booklist) "This tale of grit and determination is recommended for libraries in the Appalachian region." (School Library Journal) "Really, overall, well done … it'd work particularly well in the classroom." (Literary Hoots) "I loved the writing. Yes, it's simple as a child's book should be but it doesn't mince words. Gatewood had difficulties. She dealt with black flies. She got lost and what is the most fearful to me, she broke her glasses. Her first attempt was a failure but she persevered – the most important part of hiking any long-distance trail." (Hiker to Hiker) "While you savor this book, please surround yourself with as many small children as possible.... [When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike] would make a great gift for youngsters who love the outdoors, especially those who live near enough to the Appalachian Trail to make their own sneaker prints on it." (Hiking for Her)

Michelle Houts holds degrees in special education and speech-language pathology. She is the author of several fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the award-winning The Beef Princess of Practical County, The Practical County Drama Queen, and Winterfrost.

"[Children] will certainly admire the can-do message of Grandma Gatewood's story, her up-close encounters with adventures in the wild, including snakes, black flies, and bobcats, and her refusal to be stopped by a few setbacks." (WVXU) "This compelling true tale of triumph will send kids scrambling for their sneakers so they can follow in the footsteps of a legend." "[When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike] is an inspiring story, imparting the notion that an action as basic as walking for pleasure could result in a feat for the record books." (Booklist) "This tale of grit and determination is recommended for libraries in the Appalachian region." (School Library Journal) "Really, overall, well done … it'd work particularly well in the classroom." (Literary Hoots) "I loved the writing. Yes, it's simple as a child's book should be but it doesn't mince words. Gatewood had difficulties. She dealt with black flies. She got lost and what is the most fearful to me, she broke her glasses. Her first attempt was a failure but she persevered – the most important part of hiking any long-distance trail." (Hiker to Hiker) "While you savor this book, please surround yourself with as many small children as possible.... [When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike] would make a great gift for youngsters who love the outdoors, especially those who live near enough to the Appalachian Trail to make their own sneaker prints on it." (Hiking for Her)