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
| 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 Mining for Heart: “The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians” by Lauren Kerstein |
| 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 |
Hope Rode Book Giveaway
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.
Buy the Book
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!
17 Comments
I would love to give this book to a little boy who’s birthday is soon.
Such an inspiring story! Books open up the world to every reader.
I would love to give this one to the kids in the family they would love this prize.
Bible stories bring so much hope.
Would love to win this to share in a little free library!
I love to read
We love books.
Thank you so much!
Looks like a fun book
looks cool
Ever since I read THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK, I have been fascinated by this topic. A picture book will introduce young readers—and their adults—to this part of history.
I’d love to learn about the Packhorse librarians!
I would love to win this for my daughter.
I’d share Walls’ memoir The Glass Castle as evidence that things can turn around even after dark and difficult times.
Amazing book for my young niece!
Sounds great
This book looks splendid! 🙂