Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians by Lauren H. Kerstein
- Paola Dell Acqua
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Written by Lauren H. Kerstein
I received a digital copy of this book to share my opinion.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians
Written by Lauren H. Kerstein
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.
MY REVIEW
Hope Rode is a beautiful story of love and sacrifice during the Great Depression, resilience and hope. It is not just a story, it is history on itself!
The book is a perfect example of how powerful and healing books could be during hard times. The story also offers a detailed description of the importance of libraries and librarians, something many children and adults, are unaware of.
As a teacher, I can not help finding the story useful in so many ways! Hope Rode can be used across subjects to teach history and geography, to learn about society at that time and the role of women, to discuss the job of librarians now and then and to find similarities and differencies. The book is an excellent resource for teachers to deal with life in the past in such an entertaining way!
I found the illustrations enriching for the story, providing details that only the power of images can provide. I love the style
Hope Rode deserves a place in every classroom that aims at fostering a love of reading and books in a society consumed by screens.
The perfect match for any book lover!!
PURCHASE LINK
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.
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.
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.
To share the giveaway with your audience, please include the giveaway graphic (see assets folder below) in your post and link it to the giveaway landing page: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/hope-rode-the-promise-of-the-packhorse-librarians-book-giveaway
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