Thursday, April 2, 2026

Virtual Book Tour Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians

 


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.


PURCHASE LINK

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hope-rode-lauren-h-kerstein/1146850702

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781454948483


MY REVIEW

Since 2019 when The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek hit the shelves, there has been a growing interest in the Packhorse Library Project. This picture book introduction to that program of the 1930s and 1940s is the perfect mix of evocative descriptions and beautiful illustrations.

Hope Rode brings readers into the Kentucky countryside with the “stalwart and strong” women who rode over 100 miles a week in all sorts of weather to bring books and reading instruction to those living in remote Appalachian communities. Kerstein’s phrases, emphasized by bold print, catch the eye and thrill the heart. “New dreams DAWNED. Big ideas FORMED. Seeds rooted and GREW.” Stadtlander’s paintings capture scenes of book donations, suspicious farmers and their dogs, or kids in a one-room schoolhouse gathered to hear the librarian read them a new story. 

Classrooms doing a unit on books and libraries can add this title to their text sets, as well as those who are studying WPA programs and the Great Depression. In a time when so many librarians and library programs are under assault from the forces of censorship, stories of historical heroes like these women who were “fierce and faithful” gives courage to those still fighting to “deliver the gift of reading to their neighbors.” 


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

https://x.com/LaurenKerstein


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.


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


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. 





This post is sponsored by Lauren H. Kerstein. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. 

Virtual Book Tour Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

ABOUT THE BOOK

Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Written by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez

Illustrated by Carmen Blanco

Ages: 4–8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mr Momo (2025) | ISBN: 979-138-752-3121

Publisher's Book Summary: Danny Can Read is a bilingual (English–Spanish) picture book that celebrates the magic of reading and the power of learning at your own pace. Dinosaur siblings Danny and Lily discover that their talents shine in different ways — and that they shine the most when they work together. Through a warm, engaging story designed for read-alouds, children explore big feelings like frustration and comparison, practice empathy, and build confidence as they see that differences aren't obstacles — they're strengths. Perfect for ages 4–8, ideal for bilingual families and for readers learning English or Spanish.


PURCHASE LINK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bjZKWb


MY REVIEW

Danny and his sister Lily are best friends who do everything together - even putting on singing and dancing shows for their parents. “They were the best team ever.” But what happens when Danny develops a new skill that Lily doesn’t have?

As a teacher, I see this quite often - siblings or friends are very close and then one suddenly has that “A-ha!” moment and beings to read everything in sight while the other is still trying to sound out words. How they handle this new difference can affect their relationship. In the case of Danny and Lily he begins to spend all his time reading and the “singing and dancing shows became a thing of the past.” It is understandable that Lily becomes jealous. Yet, when she sees Danny frustrated over trying to illustrate stories she has written, she reacts with love and offers to help because she is very good at art.

This story is perfect for a family with young readers (or about-to-be-readers) and could also be a good read-aloud for a class where some students have caught the reading bug and others are still working on their letters and sounds. The bilingual presentation also makes this a great book for ELL students. Every child needs to hear that it is okay to learn “at their own time and pace.” (Think back to Leo the Late Bloomer.) And it is encouraging that Danny and Lily realized, “their differences made them stronger and that when they worked as a team, they could accomplish anything they set their minds to.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana Paola Navarro Gómez is a Colombian children's book author and mother of twins, who inspire the heart of her stories. She writes bilingual picture books grounded in real moments from family life — everyday situations transformed into relatable narratives for young readers. Her debut title blends early literacy with social-emotional learning, encouraging confidence, empathy, and patience as children navigate frustration and grow at their own pace.

Learn more at dianapaolanavarro.com

Instagram: @dpnavarro and @dannylilybooks


TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, March 20, 2026

The Children’s Book Review

Tour Kick-off for Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Monday, March 23, 2026

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

@nissa_the.bookworm

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Thursday, March 26, 2026

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Friday, March 27, 2026

Little Free Library Mystery Network

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Monday, March 30, 2026

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Author Interview with Diana Paola Navarro Gómez

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

@meghenslittlelibrary

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

The Starlit Path

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Tuesday, April 2, 2026

Lisa’s Reading

Guest Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Wednesday, April 3, 2026

The Fairview Review

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Monday, April 6, 2026

Country Mamas With Kids

Guest Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

@bored_military_wife

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Froggy Read Teach

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Confessions of a Book Addict

Book Spotlight on Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Friday, April 10, 2026

@books.with.courtney

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Monday, April 13, 2026

Get Outside and Read

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Book Zone Reviews

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

@avainbookland

Instagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Un Viaje en Libro

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Friday, April 17, 2026

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Enter for a chance to win one of three signed paperback copies of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read! One grand prize winner will also receive a 36-piece puzzle inspired by the book along with their signed copy. Giveaway ends April 20, 2026 at 11:30 PM Mountain Time.

This post is sponsored by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.