Heather Henson

This delightful picture-book, told from the perspective of Cal, a young Appalachian boy with no use for the "chicken scratch" to be found in books, is a celebration of the Pack Horse Librarians of the 1930s, who rode out in every kind of weather to bring their precious "treasure" to the people of remote areas of the country. High up on a mountain, Cal and his family eke out a living, with no money for luxuries like books, and little chance for a formal education, with the closest school a show more "jillion" miles down the creek. But every week, That Book Woman rides up regardless, bringing new titles for Cal's sister Lark, "the readenest child you ever did see." As Cal, scornful at first, observes the Book Woman's courage and determination, he begins to wonder if books might not be worthwhile after all...

Written in a dialect that feels authentic, rather than overdone, That Book Woman offers a convincing portrait of a young man's gradual awakening to the value of reading. Cal's resentment at the beginning of the story - captured in both word and image - feels very real, making his eventual transformation all the more satisfying. The artwork by David Small - done in ink, watercolor and pastel chalk - is understated but expressive. All in all, a wonderful picture-book to share with young bibliophiles and library-lovers! show less

I liked this from page one. Miri and Fen are initially wary of each other, but that changes very quickly, partly because they find the local school as unappetizing as dirty socks. Both have unusual passions that the other respects. For Fen, it's creating natural sound mixes, for Miri, it's rebuilding motorcycles from pieces bought or recycled. While their attraction grows, Clay, who Miri sees as an older brother, struggles with his feelings for her, his connection to her dad Poe (Clay sees show more him as a father figure) and his humiliating reputation among other people living on the 'knobs' as the remote Kentucky hills are called. Clay's crack addict mother is serving an extended stay in prison, but often lives in his head.
Meanwhile, there are other games afoot involving crystal meth and the governments' efforts to bust the manufacturers. Just when you think you have all the puzzle pieces in place, the author strides up and kicks them off the card table, but does it in a way that makes you shake your head and give a thumbs up. Now I want to read her earlier books. show less

A family read-aloud binge of picture books for my daughter's 21st birthday!

I'm a sucker for stories where an individual's dedication and perseverance causes big changes in the life of another. In this case it's a librarian on horseback and a reluctant reader deep in the Appalachians.

This picture book is a much better tribute to the Pack Horse Library Project than the dreadful and melodramatic novel I previously read called The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

Cal lives with his family high up in the Appalachian Mountains. He's old enough to help out and kind of thinks his sister Lark's habit of reading is a waste of time. So he's surprised when a woman stranger starts showing up and lending books. He thinks her horse must be pretty brave when she continues to come regardless of the weather. But when she shows up in the bitterest cold, stopping only to slip books through the doorway to keep the family from getting cold, Cal decides she's pretty show more brave, too. And it makes him wonder what's so important about that "chicken scratch" that would make that woman risk going out on such a cold night.

This is a really sweet book about the Pack Horse Librarians from FDRs New Deal that carried books to families who otherwise didn't have access. My wife first read it to our 6 year old and it left her in tears while our daughter stood by patting her on the shoulder. The language is kind of "hillbilly" and we had to explain what some words meant, but it's the story that really touches you. The artwork is beautiful; simple watercolors and charcoal, I think, and really adds to the story. This is a really great book I can strongly recommend (I had to get it from my wife's bag to read it myself because she liked it so much she wanted to show it to the teachers and librarian at the kid's school). show less