That Book Woman

That Book Woman tells the story of Cal, a young boy living with his family in the Appalachian Mountains during the 1930s. The tale is narrated by Cal, who feels proud of his work helping on the family farm and has little interest in books or reading. A Pack Horse Librarian begins making regular visits to Cal's remote home, bringing books to the family regardless of harsh weather or dangerous conditions. These librarians were part of a real New Deal program that brought reading materials to isolated communities in Kentucky. Through his observations of the determined Book Woman's visits, Cal's perspective begins to shift. His relationship to books and learning transforms over time as he witnesses her dedication. The story explores themes of perseverance, the power of literacy, and how one person's commitment can create meaningful change. The historical backdrop provides insight into an innovative library program that served rural American communities during the Great Depression.

Readers connect emotionally with this story about Pack Horse librarians bringing books to remote Appalachian families. Parents and teachers note it teaches children about literacy, determination, and appreciating education. Liked: - David Small's watercolor illustrations match the mountain setting - Authentic Appalachian dialect in the text - Historical accuracy about the Pack Horse Library Project - Messages about the power of reading and helping others Disliked: - Some found the dialect challenging to read aloud - A few mentioned the story moves slowly - Limited appeal for very young children Ratings: Goodreads: 4.18/5 (2,300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (240+ ratings) "Shows how books can transform lives," wrote one teacher reviewer. A parent noted: "My kids asked to learn more about the real Book Women after reading this." Several librarians praised its historical portrayal of their profession's impact on rural communities.

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Barbara Winslow A true story depicts a librarian who brings books to rural communities in North Carolina through a traveling bookmobile.

Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky by Kathi Appel Historical photographs and text document the Pack Horse Library Project that brought books to remote regions of Kentucky during the Great Depression.

The Library Train by Myrtle Garrison Based on real events, the narrative follows a train car converted into a mobile library that serves isolated communities in rural Texas.

The Book Boat's In by Cynthia Cotten Set in 1835, a young boy works to earn money for a book sold on a floating library that travels the Erie Canal.

The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter A true account tells of an Iraqi librarian who saves books during wartime by moving them to safety with help from her community.

📚 Pack horse librarians, like the one in the story, traveled nearly 120 miles per week on horseback to deliver books to remote Appalachian families during the Great Depression. 🏔️ The Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project employed mostly women and served nearly 100,000 rural residents between 1935 and 1943. ✍️ Author Heather Henson grew up in Kentucky and was inspired by stories of these brave "book women" who brought literacy to isolated mountain communities. 📖 The story's narrator, Cal, is based on real accounts of mountain children who were initially suspicious of the traveling librarians but gradually developed a love for reading. 🐎 The Pack Horse Library Project librarians earned only $28 per month (equivalent to about $530 today) and had to supply their own horses or mules for the dangerous mountain deliveries.