Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians -- a Picture Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post is sponsored by Lauren H. Kerstein.

Did you know that National Library Week is officially April 19 to April 26 this year? Have you ever thought about the importance of the library? It serves so many purposes for different people from a place to be able to read books for free to a place to use the internet for free as well as a place with heat or air conditioning in different weather. I know some people argue that we do not need the public libraries now that we have digital books and more, but I disagree. I think libraries serve more purposes than ever before. It can be a children's program that helps the new parents or new to the town kids meet others. It can be where the unemployed go to look for new jobs and possibly even get help with their resume. There are many services libraries serve and today we are going to look at a book that shares a very different library service in a different time. The book is Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians by Lauren H. Kerstein and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. After my review is a giveaway!!

About the Book:

Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians
Written by Lauren H. Kerstein and Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

Ages: 4+ | 48 Pages | Publisher: Union Square Kids (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-1454948483

Publisher's Book Summary: An empowering ode to the brave librarians from Kentucky.

Following the Great Depression, literacy rates in the country had dwindled, and education and opportunities were harder to come by, especially in areas like rural Appalachia. But still, there was a dream: a vision of a nation in which reading was accessible to all—even those in the most remote places.

The Packhorse Library project of the 1930s and 1940s called upon Kentucky women to make that vision a reality and rise to the difficult and demanding job of delivering books on horseback. The Packhorse librarians were brave, steadfast, and resilient. For years, the women endured rough terrain, harsh conditions, and exhaustion. And with each book delivered and reading lesson taught, the librarians ushered in a new era for Kentuckians.

With uplifting prose by Lauren H. Kerstein and lush, hand-painted art from Becca Stadtlander, Hope Rode tells the true story of the strength, courage, and conviction of the Packhorse librarians.

Purchase Links:

• Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hope-rode-lauren-h-kerstein/1146850702
• Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781454948483

About the Author:

Lauren H. Kerstein is an award-winning author, psychotherapist, creative coach, screenwriter, and NYT-bestselling ghostwriter. She is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series, Home for A While, Remembering Sundays with Grandpa, and Hope Rode. Lauren writes books in her field and just released a book about emotion regulation. Her board books with Creative Publishing Services are due out this Spring. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, and is a long-time member of 12×12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.

For more information, visit Lauren at:

• www.LaurenKerstein.net
• https://www.instagram.com/laurenkerstein/
• https://bsky.app/profile/laurenkerstein.bsky.social
• https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenkerstein
• https://www.youtube.com/@laurenkerstein2491
• https://x.com/LaurenKerstein

About the Illustrator:

Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist, inspired by the beauty of everyday objects, the comforts of home, and the lush colors and landscapes of far-off places. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and currently lives and works in her hometown of Covington, Kentucky. Her work is featured in children’s and adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home decor products, and book covers.

Becca also teaches Painting/Drawing in the summer for the Governor’s School for the Arts in Kentucky.

Represented by Bright Group International.

For more information, visit www.beccastadtlander.com.

From Me:

Imagine living in rural Kentucky during and after the Great Depression. Many people were farmers and the farms were far apart so they could have the room needed to farm. It must have been lonely. Many of these people also could not read. President Roosevelt introduced the New Deal and had training for jobs for men. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wanted to help women. She helped start the Packhorse Librarians in one county in Kentucky. The government was willing to pay these women to deliver books and teach rural patrons to read. They did not fund the program in any other way so the women had to fundraise and get books and supplies any way they could. This book shares the story in simple terms and sharing the excitement of learning to read and getting new books to read. These women rode to their neighbors in all weather and all conditions. The book shares some of the difficulties like the rain and neighbors who didn't trust them at first. 

I love how this book shares this piece of history that many do not know. It was a time when people were trying to improve themselves and their lives. The packhorse librarians helped teach people to read and gave them new things to read. Reading led to new skills as well as new ideas. Both helping improve the patrons' lives as well as the lives of others. The book however shares all of this in simple terms and with beautiful illustrations. It shares the excitement of the patrons (and especially the children) to get new books and learn to read. The librarians even did read alouds at schools, houses and so much more. What an amazing service that helped continue pushing Kentucky and the United States out of the depression and forward. At the end of the book is the Author's Note with photographs of some of the actual packhorse librarians and more with information about the program including how long it lasted as well as the extension program that reached Black communities. 

The book is so well written and illustrated this will be a favorite of libraries everywhere! It shares a wonderful piece of history where people helped each other and truly respected literacy! It is the perfect book National Library Outreach Day which is the Wednesday of National Library Week. After all the packhorse librarians were definitely library outreach!! The book is perfect for any library or classroom to learn about the history and perhaps discuss the many ways libraries help people in the past and today. For young kids, discuss how excited they are to pick out new books at the library and imagine having to wait for a packhorse librarian to bring books to you. I imagine it would be eye opening for many kids these days.

Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one of five signed hardcover copies of Hope Rode by Lauren H. Kerstein. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a signed copy, a swag pack, and a $30 gift card to their favorite indie bookstore. Giveaway ends April 30, 2026, at 11:30 PM Mountain Time.