Hope Rode: Book Review and Activity Kit

Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians

Author: Lauren H. Kerstein,  Illustrator: Becca Stadtlander

Genre: Picture Book

Publisher: Union Square Kids (2025)

I’m so excited to be part of the book tour for Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarian! As a lifelong book lover, nonfiction picture books are one of my favorite genres because there is so much to learn from them at any age.

During the recovery from the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal which was a series of programs, public works projects, and financial reforms designed to support Americans during a time of crisis. Out of this era came the Packhorse Library initiative, which relied on “fierce and faithful, stalwart and strong” librarians to deliver the gift of reading to their communities.

Although these librarians were paid by the government, they were not provided with supplies. So they got creative by sewing their own saddlebags and pillowcases to carry books. Traveling across rural Kentucky, they braved all kinds of weather and terrain to bring stories to children and families who otherwise had little to no access to books. As the story beautifully captures, “visit after visit, librarians wove books and stories into the fabric of their neighbors’ lives.”

What did I think of this book? I absolutely loved Hope Rode! The combination of text and illustrations brings history to life, helping readers understand the timeline, the challenges, and the triumphs these librarians experienced. Most of all, it highlights something incredibly powerful—persistence. I loved how the text bold target words throughout the story such as “vision”, “mission”, “dawned”, ,”formed” and “fierce and faithful”. As a speech language pathologist, this is a great opportunity to teach new vocabulary!

The author’s note at the end is a wonderful addition, featuring real photographs and fascinating facts that deepen the reader’s understanding of this inspiring chapter in history.

Are you looking for a carryover activity to do with your students or child? Click on the image or download the activity kit Hope Road Activity Kit

Buy the Book: Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org

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.

Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/hope-rode-the-promise-of-the-packhorse-librarians-book-giveaway Good luck!

 

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

Disclosure: A sincere thank you to the author for a review copy of the book read in partnership with The Children’s Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.