Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians

Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians Awareness Tour is presented in partnership* with Lauren H. Kerstein and The Children’s Book Review.

Join us on an unforgettable journey as we kick off the virtual book tour for Hope Rode by Lauren H. Kerstein!

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Hope Rode by Lauren H. Kerstein tells the powerful true story of the Packhorse librarians of Kentucky, women who braved miles of difficult terrain to bring books and literacy to isolated communities. Through determination, compassion, and courage, they transformed lives one delivery at a time, proving that even in the hardest moments, stories can light the way forward.

A powerful read for anyone interested in American history, librarianship, or the power of books—with special appeal to readers who appreciate stories of everyday heroes and women making a difference.

—The Children’s Book Review, Editor’s Pick

Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the 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. Don’t miss your chance to experience this inspiring true story. Enter below!

Hope Rode
Virtual Tour Dates

Hope Rode Book Giveaway

About the Book

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.

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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 Governor’s School for the Arts in Kentucky.

Represented by Bright Group International.

For more information, visit www.beccastadtlander.com.

Thanks for following along with us on Lauren H. Kerstein’s Hope Rode awareness tour!