Children's Book Review :: That Book Woman

Have you ever been perplexed by the gift of a stranger? Cal, a boy who knows how to work hard with his hands and help his dad with farm work in their home high up on a mountain in Appalachia, is suspicious of the strange woman who rides her horse up the mountain in all kinds of weather to bring books free of charge.

"Now what that lady brings

it's sure no treasure,

not to me, but books!"

Written in a poetic form of the everyday vernacular of the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, this tale portrays the unusual work of the Pack Horse Librarians which served Eastern Kentucky from 1935 - 1943. Heather Henson has beautifully captured the dedication of the Pack Horse Librarians and the patrons amazement and appreciation of their efforts.

This book got me thinking about kids in my community who would be surprised and delighted by a modern day "book woman". A quick google search led me to two local organizations that deliver books, Pajama Program and The Legal Aid Society. What organizations in your community bring the magic of books to kids who need it?

For the joy of reading,

Nicole

Product Description (Amazon.com)

Cal is not the readin' type. Living way high up in the Appalachian Mountains, he'd rather help Pap plow or go out after wandering sheep than try some book learning. Nope. Cal does not want to sit stoney-still reading some chicken scratch. But that Book Woman keeps coming just the same. She comes in the rain. She comes in the snow. She comes right up the side of the mountain, and Cal knows that's not easy riding. And all just to lend his sister some books. Why, that woman must be plain foolish -- or is she braver than he ever thought?

That Book Woman is a rare and moving tale that honors a special part of American history -- the Pack Horse Librarians, who helped untold numbers of children see the stories amid the chicken scratch, and thus made them into lifetime readers.