Book Review of Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians
The Children’s Book Review
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: 978-1-4549-4848-3
What to Expect: WPA Packhorse Librarians, Kentucky History, Literacy, The Great Depression, Determination.
A stunning picture book in free verse that celebrates the brave women who rode through Appalachia to deliver the gift of reading during the Great Depression.
From the ashes of the Great Depression, a new dream was born: the Packhorse Library Project in Kentucky. This vision, supported by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), sought to bring books and literacy to rural and remote communities where a lack of reading skills meant limited opportunities. It follows the fierce and faithful women who answered the call to become librarians, gathering their own supplies and setting out on treacherous, mile-after-mile journeys by horseback to share stories that would light up dark times and foster new dreams.
Lauren H. Kerstein’s writing is beautiful and lyrical. The effective use of alliteration and the way the text is structured on the page adds a rich, rhythmic quality that enhances the story’s lyricism and sounds wonderful when read aloud. The author also uses short, punchy lines and powerful sensory details—such as “Water sloshed. Rocks crunched. Dirt sprayed” and “Soft words. New worlds. A light in dark times”—to highlight the challenges of the journey and the profound emotional impact of the books when they made it into the hands of young readers. Kerstein intentionally and powerfully conveys the librarians’ determination and the vital importance of their mission, connecting their weariness with the excitement of the children they served.
The accompanying art by illustrator Becca Stadtlander is evocative and essential to the book’s success, beautifully illustrating the courage of these women. The distinct softness in the illustrations captures the gentle, compassionate heart that drove this deeply impactful mission, while also juxtaposing tenderness and strength, highlighting, through the landscapes and the warm human interactions, how their fierce determination and gentle care worked in unison to fulfill their mission.
Hope Rode is a remarkable historical account that opens roads to knowledge, connection, and hope. 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.
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About the Author
Lauren H. Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is represented by Deborah Warren with East/West Literary Agency. Lauren writes picture books through young adult books. She is a developmental editor, ghost writer, and a co-founder of #ReVISIONweek. Lauren’s books are infused with SEL, heart, and a bit of her Jersey-girl humor. Lauren’s writing goals are simple. Embrace feedback. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.
For more information, visit laurenkerstein.net.
