Title: Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians | Author: Lauren H. Kerstein | Illustrator: Becca Stadtlander | Genre: Picture Book | Publisher: Union Square Kids (2025) | ISBN: 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 Thoughts: A lost slice of American history is poetically recalled in this fascinating account of the Packhorse Library Project. In the mid-1930s, a group of Kentucky women, inspired by earlier attempts at expanding access to book in rural areas, took the reigns and delivered hundreds of books in an effort to bring the literacy rate of Eastern Kentucky up from 31%. Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians beautifully captures the feel of this difficult time in the U.S. and the determination of a small group of women who wanted to make a difference
Gorgeous illustrations of stunning landscapes and courageous librarians, as well as their horses, show the hardship endured and the dangers faced. The lyrical writing and thoughtful word choices are truly special and illuminate this important program in sparse, alliterative and poetic language. Plus, the Author’s Note is jam-packed with details and actual photographs from the time — many of which were used as inspiration for the paintings made for the book’s illustrations. Hope Rode is a wonderful edition to any library!
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
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.
Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/hope-rode-the-promise-of-the-packhorse-librarians-book-giveaway Good luck!
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Thursday, April 2, 2026 Kidlit Love Podcast Instagram Reel about Hope Rode |
| Thursday, April 2, 2026 The Starlit Path Instagram Reel about Hope Rode |
| Friday, April 3, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Monday, April 6, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Tuesday, April 7, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Wednesday, April 8, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Instagram Reel about Hope Rode |
| Thursday, April 9, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Friday, April 10, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Hope Rode |
| Monday, April 13, 2026 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Wednesday, April 15, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Hope Rode |
| Thursday, April 16, 2026 One More Exclamation Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Friday, April 17, 2026 Beth Anderson’s Blog Guest Post about Hope Rode |
| Monday, April 20, 2026 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post about Hope Rode |
| Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Hope Rode |
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Thursday, April 23, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Lauren H. Kerstein |
| Friday, April 24, 2026 Writer with Wanderlust Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Monday, April 27, 2026 Life Skills 2 Learn Book Review of Hope Rode |
| Tuesday, April 28, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Hope Rode |
| Wednesday, April 29, 2026 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post about Hope Rode |
EXTRA! EXTRA!
Click on the graphic below to open the FREE Activity Kit offering extensions to reading HOPE RODE with a coloring page and book recommendation card!
Disclosure: A sincere thank you to the author for a review copy of the book read in partnership with The Children’s Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
Stephanie Ward 