Books on Horseback: The Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky
By Candice Ransom
Illustrated by Massimiliano Di Lauro
Doubleday Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 978-1478884101
“This powerful narrative tells the story of a librarian named Marjorie and her horse, Boots, who deliver books to families in the rural mountains of Kentucky . . . The notably rich text highlights the power of stories and the lasting impact of reading on individuals and families.”
“In the way that book ideas come to you . . . it felt I’d always known about this nugget of history. As I researched, the material became familiar, as if I’d once dreamed it.”
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 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.
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.
Preview Pages
Resources
Pack Horse Librarians - Kentucky Educational Television
Classroom Guide
Reviews
This powerful narrative tells the story of a librarian named Marjorie and her horse, Boots, who deliver books to families in the rural mountains of Kentucky. Through this partnership, young readers are introduced to issues of access to books and the importance of bringing literacy resources directly to communities that face geographic barriers. The text places strong emphasis on geography, clearly explaining why books must travel to families rather than families traveling to a library. It vividly portrays the challenges Marjorie and Boots encounter on their journeys, including crossing rivers, navigating steep cliffs, and traveling long distances through rugged terrain. These moments help readers understand both the physical demands of the work and the dedication required to serve remote communities.
Told in straightforward, accessible language, the book highlights the power of stories and the lasting impact of reading on individuals and families. The text is notably rich, with more sustained passages than a traditional picture book. This makes it especially well suited as a transitional text for elementary readers who are moving from heavily illustrated picture books toward longer chapter books. The balance of narrative and information elements supports comprehension while encouraging reading stamina.
VERDICT: A geography-forward text that emphasizes the power of traveling libraries and the communities they serve, ideal for transitional readers seeking increased text density.