That Book Woman

This a book that tugs at my heartstrings for many reasons, and has brought me close to tears when I've read it to my second grade class. The writing is so powerful, and the dialect used is apt (I disagree that it is too difficult to understand). After I modeled how to infer meaning with a few of the phrases, and explained to my kids that they would need to do this throughout the book, they were fine. Often I would stop and ask for a volunteer to think aloud about what was just said. They got the meaning loud and clear. I also disagree with one reviewer who claimed that Cal's point of view is not the right one to use for the storyline. What a magical transformation to witness: a "tough as snuff" boy who thinks reading is ridiculous, to a boy who falls in love with the power of reading. Moreover, it's very clear that he decides to read solely because "that book woman" must have a reason for trekking up the mountain come rain, wind, or snow. He realizes it MUST be important. I think the most beautiful thing about this book is how it cuts right into the human emotion that takes place in the story. The book woman is intentionally left as a vague character with no face; Small was using her voyage, not her face, to pay homage to the many "pack librarians" that made this ongoing sacrifice. Even though she is rarely a central part of the illustrations, the children noticed her on EVERY page. It was also clear they felt her dedication and passion, not through thoughts revealed, but through her dogged determination. The family's deep gratitude was also beautifully shared. Pap clears his throat and in an instant the reader connects with him: especially as adults, we have experienced a time like this when we feel indebted and grateful, and cannot possibly repay the kindness shown us. This book is beautifully written and illustrated, and is a perfect expression of how marvelous, how worthy, how powerful reading truly is.

I love this book. There aren't too many kids books I say this. Kids love it. This book has a great message. Wholesome and heartwarming.

Cal is not a kid that likes to read. In fact, he's a kid who lives in the remote Appalachian Mountains where there are no libraries. The only books he and his sister have available to them are the ones brought by horseback every few weeks by the Book Woman. Cal's sister, Lark, is a bookworm who loves reading more than anything. She could sit all day with a book. Cal just doesn't understand why she likes to read so much, until one day he begins to wonder what makes the Book Woman ride through rain, wind, and snow to deliver the books. When he finally understands her dedication, it changes Cal's life forever. Written as poetry, this book not only will inspire children to read, but it also gives a small glimpse into the courageous Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky. The Pack Horse Project was created in the 1930s by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in order to bring books to the young people of the Appalachian Mountains. I give it 5 stars for being unforgettable.

My grandson loved this book

This is a wonderful picture book about That Book Woman who made sure books were delivered to isolated families in the Appalachia Mountains. I love the illustrations, but the story of how Cal transforms from "not the reading type" to a young man who asks his sister, "Teach me what is says" is heartwarming. You always know Cal will come around but the tale of how he yearns to know what makes the Book Woman risk life and limb just to deliver books is appealing and curious.

Just a heads up! The dialect is a little tough the first few reads. I would suggest reading it through out loud several times before reading to your child - and be prepared for "What does THAT mean??" peppered throughout story time. Good story.

That Book Woman, by Heather Henson I discovered this book during teacher professional development, and I love it! As a fifth grade teacher, I can see several times of the year that I will use it and integrate with my Reading and Social Studies curriculum. The picures depict the emotions of the characters and enhance the Appalachian dialect of the poetic text. Any librarian who reads this book is bound to love it because it features the pack-horse librarians of The New Deal during the Depression. As the story unfolds, the reader cannot help but find a new appreciation for books and reading!

An enjoyable book about the WPA horseback librarians from a child’s point of view. It introduces a part of history that has largely been forgotten but shouldn’t be.

As a committed father and feminist (the one follows the other when you're father to a little girl) who has gone out of his way to surround his daughter with books, especially books that feature strong independent girls and women - and who also happens to have a fascination with Appalachia - this ticks literally every box. The book is beautifully (and subtly) written and illustrated, the setting authentic and evocative, the story moving without being sentimental, and the whole a valuable primer on the remarkable story of the pack horse librarians. Yes, Cal's back-woods vernacular is characterful, but I had no trouble picking up the meaning, and I'm from Slough. I certainly didn't find it disruptive to the flow. I cannot speak highly enough of this book.