Hope Rode
Welcome to Hope Rode by Lauren Kerstein Book Tour hosted by The Children’s Book Review.
About the Book
An empowering ode to the brave librarians from Kentucky.
Following the Great Depression, literacy rates in the country had declined, and educational opportunities were harder to come by, especially in areas like rural Appalachia. But still, there was a dream: a vision of a nation in which reading was accessible to all—even those in the most remote places.
The Packhorse Library project of the 1930s and 1940s called upon Kentucky women to make that vision a reality and rise to the difficult and demanding job of delivering books on horseback. The Packhorse librarians were brave, steadfast, and resilient. For years, the women endured rough terrain, harsh conditions, and exhaustion. And with each book delivered and reading lesson taught, the librarians ushered in a new era for Kentuckians.
With uplifting prose by Lauren H. Kerstein and lush, hand-painted art from Becca Stadtlander, Hope Rode tells the true story of the strength, courage, and conviction of the Packhorse librarians.
Review of Hope Rode
This is such a gem of a picture book—part history lesson, part love letter to the power of stories. Set in post–Great Depression Kentucky, it follows brave packhorse librarians delivering books through rough weather and rugged terrain, bringing knowledge (and a little hope) to isolated communities. The writing has a lyrical feel, and the detailed artwork makes every page a treat. It’s engaging for kids but layered enough for adults too, with back matter that adds fascinating real-life context.
I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.
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 has just released a book about emotion regulation. Her board books with Creative Publishing Services are due out this Spring.
Lauren is a founder 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.
Website – Instagram – Bsky – TikTok – YouTube – X
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, in editorial publications, on stationery, in home decor products, and on 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
Giveaway for Hope Rode
Enter for a chance to win one of five signed hardcover copies by Lauren H. Kerstein. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a signed copy, a swag pack, and a $30 gift card to their favorite indie bookstore.
Giveaway ends April 30, 2026, at 11:30 PM Mountain Time.
Click here to enter the giveaway!
Hope Rode Book Tour
Follow along on the book tour hosted by The Children’s Book Review to see what others are saying!
| Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review |
| Thursday, April 2, 2026 Kidlit Love Podcast Instagram Reel |
| Thursday, April 2, 2026 The Starlit Path Instagram Reel |
| Friday, April 3, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review |
| Monday, April 6, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review |
| Tuesday, April 7, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review |
| Wednesday, April 8, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Instagram Reel |
| Thursday, April 9, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review |
| Friday, April 10, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post |
| Monday, April 13, 2026 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Book Review |
| Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review |
| Wednesday, April 15, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post |
| Thursday, April 16, 2026 One More Exclamation Book Review |
| Friday, April 17, 2026 Beth Anderson’s Blog Guest Post |
| Monday, April 20, 2026 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post |
| Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post |
| Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Review |
| Thursday, April 23, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview |
| Friday, April 24, 2026 Writer with Wanderlust Book Review |
| Monday, April 27, 2026 Life Skills 2 Learn Book Review |
| Tuesday, April 28, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post |
| Wednesday, April 29, 2026 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post |
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