That Book Woman

October 1, 2008
Gr 2-5-A simple and heartfelt paean to the Pack Horse Librarians of the 1930s who were part of a WPA program founded to take books to remote areas. Cal and his family live high in the Appalachian hills. He's proud to be a hard worker and scorns his sister, who'd read all day if allowed. When a stranger appears on horseback to deliver books, Cal wants nothing to do with her until one winter evening when she braves the snowy mountain to deliver her goods. Her courage and strong will make him realize that her job must be very important, so he asks his sister to teach him to read. Henson's free-verse narrative is peppered with colloquialisms and authentic-sounding language that might be tricky for some readers, but lend immediacy and atmosphere to the story. Done in pale browns and greens, Small's signature ink-and-watercolor illustrations depict an austere mountain home and the hardscrabble lives of family members who have little to spare. Cal's expressions of resentment and anger, and then his acceptance and enjoyment of reading, are shown with simple yet effective lines. Pair this poignant book with Kathi Appelt and Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer's "Down Cut Shin Creek" (HarperCollins, 2001) for an excellent unit on these dedicated women and for a great discussion starter on the importance of books."Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2008
Cal describes his way-up mountain homeSo high / we hardly sight / a soulbut that changes when the Book Woman, a traveling librarian, rides up to the house. The Book Woman is a boon for Cals sister, Lark, the readenest child you ever did see, but no use to Cal, who is not born / to sit so stoney-still / a-starin at some chicken scratch.However, heis impressed by the librarian, who rides in all weather; finally, he asks Lark to teach him to read. This tribute to the Pack Horse Librarians of Appalachia has a lyric, simple style that lends itself to reading aloud. Henson, a Kentucky native, creates a reliable narrator in Cal, whosejourney to readingis gentle and believable. There are a couple of stereotypes here (Mother is pregnant and barefoot), but overall, themixed-media illustrations(ink, watercolor, pastel) support the texts genial flow. Mountains and sky achieve a lofty spaciousness that makes the Book Womans ride even more impressive. An authors note gives background on the WPAs Pack Horse Librarian program.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)