Winner of the 2021 Northern Lights Book Awards–Historical Category Capturing one librarian’s breathtaking fictional journey is a riveting way to showcase and honor the risky work of these real librarians, and the text communicates a deep reverence for their mission-and their tremendous fortitude. Educational and inspiring. -Kirkus Reviews

The fictional narrative proves captivating as young readers learn the lengths real-life librarians went to serve their communities during the Great Depression. - Publishers Weekly

This is an excellent forum for bringing history and literacy together while broadening the experiences and perspectives of young -readers. -School Library Journal

Vibrant illustrations anchor this tale … of intrepid female librarians delivering books to far-flung isolated homesteads in the rolling hills of Kentucky. The pictures are eye-popping and fill each page right to the edges. - Jon G. Bradley, Historical Novel Society

Books By Horseback is a breathtaking adventure of a heroic Pack Horse Librarian who braves the harsh terrain of rural Kentucky to bring books to children who need them.

Deep into Appalachia, during the Great Depression food, education, and opportunities were scarce. Kentucky had fallen behind its neighboring states in electricity and highways, and the folks who lived in the craggy, mountainous region were struggling to survive. But courageous librarians were up to the challenge!

Edith, a young Pack Horse Librarian, and her faithful horse Dan, adventure through rough terrain and a pending storm in order to deliver books to kids who desperately need them in this richly illustrated tale. Edith, like all Pack Horse Librarians, heroically risked their own safety to serve the most vulnerable members of their community. Librarians like Edith helped an entire generation learn to read and gain lifesaving knowledge in a critical time in history.