Books on Horseback

Times were hard in the hollows of Kentucky during the Great Depression. People didn't have much - having something to read was a luxury. But thanks to a special program, librarians were able to share books with schools and families all over Eastern Kentucky. Books on Horseback, an inspiring tale written by acclaimed author Candice Ransom, introduces young readers to The Pack Horse Library Project. This initiative, instituted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression, attempted to bring literature and education to some of the most remote parts of the United States. Desperate for a solution to bring folks out of poverty, packhorse librarians, also known as "Book Ladies", rode out on horseback to the Appalachian Mountains and rural Kentucky to bring books to read to adults and children. Public libraries in this remote section of Kentucky were rare, if at all in existence. The residents of these areas were not able to travel very far to find a public library, so they were left without any resources. Illustrator Massimiliano Di Lauro captures the strength and resilience of the Book Lady in this story as she prepares her journey into Eastern Kentucky. The illustrations provide a vividness of what it was like for these women to brave the elements and rough terrain to reach their destination with hopes of salvation for those in need. Most cities and towns in America today have access to public libraries, but there are still some locations that lack adequate funding or resources to properly educate their communities. Books on Horseback is an important story to share with young readers about the precious value of quality education and how it can affect lives in monumental ways.

Candice Ransom is the author of more than 170 books for children and young adults. She lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband and two impossible cats. Whenever she can, she goes to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians, with a book and her camera.