That Book Woman
by
Heather Henson
pictures by
David Small
Edition
-
Publisher
Atheneum
Imprint
Atheneum
ISBN
9781416908128
Awards and Honors
NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2009, History/Life and Culture in the Americas
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Cal's sister "would keep her nose a-twixt the pages of a book daybreak to dusky dark if Mama would allow." Not Cal, though. He can't read; he doesn't see any use for the "chicken scratch" that appears in books, and he has no interest in sitting "stoney-still." But then the Book Woman starts coming 'round, riding up the steep Appalachian mountain on horseback. Every two weeks she brings books for Cal's family-traveling through rain, fog, cold, and snow. Author's note. Full-color ink, watercolor, and pastel chalk illustrations.
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Details
Format
Page Count
40
Trim Size
10" x 8"
Dewey
E
AR
4.3: points 0.5
Lexile
AD920L
Genre
Fiction
Scholastic Reading Counts
1
JLG Release
Nov 2008
Book Genres
Topics
Appalachia. Chores. Reading. Strangers. Books. Trades. Horses. Bravery. Dedication. Winter. Curiosity. Gratitude. Pride. Happiness.
Standard MARC Records
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Cover Art
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Praise & Reviews
Starred or favorable reviews have been received from these periodicals:
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Booklist, The Horn Book Magazine, The Horn Book Guide^, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal
Praise & Reviews
Junior Library Guild
As the author’s note explains, the story was inspired by the “true and courageous” work of the Pack Horse Librarians, or “Book Women,” a program founded in 1935 as part of the Works Progress Administration. Heather Henson and David Small have vividly and memorably brought this piece of rural American history to life through a moving story and beautiful, atmospheric illustrations.
Though the Book Woman is central to the story line, for much of the book she appears with her back to the reader or as a small figure traveling in the background. This allows Cal, who narrates the story, to stay in the forefront as he undergoes the transformation from nonreader to reader. Cal is adamant in claiming his lack of interest in books, but Small’s depictions suggest otherwise. Whether observing that his sister is once again lost in the pages of a book or watching the Book Woman from across the room, Cal clearly knows he is missing something, as his furrowed brow and turned-down mouth illustrate. When the Book Woman stops for a visit after a long winter during which Cal’s sister has taught him to read, for the first time Cal is pictured smiling. He has discovered another world.
Horn Book
Cal sees no cause to sit "stoney-still / a-staring at some chicken scratch." His sister Lark, however, is an avid reader, and their parents warmly welcome a librarian from the WPA's Pack Horse Library Project into their remote Appalachian home. Small's deft lines and masterful watercolors convey the family's affection and Cal's mixed emotions about reading.
Grades 2-4
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Interests
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