Northbounders: 2,186 Miles of Friendship: (Full Color Version)

It’s a big world out there and Copper finds himself navigating it alone. Hungry, lonely, and afraid, with a gunshot wound in his belly, Copper longs for love and a family to call his own. He’s got a big heart, a love for people, and an even bigger love for adventure. Follow Copper as he searches for a forever home, finds a special friend, and stumbles upon the greatest adventure of his life: hiking the 2,186-mile-long Appalachian Trail. Will he survive the most brutal, exciting, and intense adventure of his life— filled with torrential rain, catastrophic storms, wild animals, extreme temperatures, and sickness ravaging his body? Can he overcome his fears and learn to trust again to prove his loyalty to the family that saved his life?

Dr. Karen Lord Rutter is a retired teacher and administrator with over 30 years in education whose work with students ranged from preschool through high school. Dr. Rutter has a passion for travel, children, and learning. This book was inspired when her son, David, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail with the family dog, Copper. Her love of the Appalachian Trail was born after David invited her to hike a few short sections of the A.T. with him. Because of her passion for children and love of reading, she embarked upon her first foray into the world of writing for children. As an educator, it was important that she incorporate history, geography, enriched vocabulary, science, and math into Copper's story. Dr. Rutter is a lifelong resident of Georgia, where the Appalachian Trail begins. She and her husband, Mike, have two adult children: David, who edited this story, and Mikella, who inspired the cover art and title.