In a world that seems so far from peaceful, I’m so glad to have found Walking Toward Peace by Kathleen Krull.
This masterful picture book biography tells the story of a little-known activist and spiritual leader who was called Peace Pilgrim. In 1953, Peace Pilgrim gave up everything she owned, including her own name, to spread the message of peace.
Before she was Peace Pilgrim, she was a secretary with a busy social life. But she found this life to be unfulfilling. Watching the events of World War II, she couldn’t help but think that the world needed more peace. So she dedicated years of her life to preparing to walk twenty-five thousand miles across America spreading the message of peace.
Peace Pilgrim achieved her goal of twenty-five thousand miles crossing the country seven times, and continued walking countless miles for 28 years. In her time walking she saw the Korean War, the Cold War, and The Vietnam War, but she never gave up on spreading the message of peace. She became a public speaker, sharing her message at schools and churches, and continued speaking until she died at the age of seventy-two.
Walking Toward Peace is a powerful lesson in conviction and being the change you wish to see in the world. The back matter contains more detailed information about Peace Pilgrim’s life for readers who are interested in learning more.
I also loved the illustrations by Annie Bowler and the way they capture Peace Pilgrim’s journey, and all the wonderful friends she met along the way.
Walking Toward Peace is officially available next week (March 23, 2021), but you can preorder it today wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and continue bringing content to you. Your support is always appreciated!)
Kathleen Krull was a children’s book author who wrote over 100 books, including Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez and No Truth Without Ruth: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I am very sad to say that she passed away in January. She leaves behind an ample collection of work for young readers to continue to see history through her eyes. To learn more about Kathleen Krull and her work, please visit her website at www.kathleenkrull.com.
Annie Bowler is an illustrator and art teacher based in Washington D.C. To learn more about her and her work, please visit her website at www.anniebowler.com.
Many thanks to Flyaway Books for sending me a review copy of this magnificent book. I am honored to be able to share both Kathleen Krull’s words and Peace Pilgrims story with my readers today.
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