That Book Woman (First Book Special Edition)

Cal is not the readin' type. Living way high up in the Appalachian Mountains, he'd rather help Pap plow or go out after wandering sheep than try some book learning. Nope. Cal does not want to sit stoney-still reading some chicken scratch. But that Book Woman keeps coming just the same. She comes in the rain. She comes in the snow. She comes right up the side of the mountain, and Cal knows that's not easy riding. And all just to lend his sister some books. Why, that woman must be plain foolish — or is she braver than he ever thought?

That Book Woman is a lovesong to those who give their all to promote books, and to those who struggle so hard to learn to read them. Pack Horse Librarians, often called 'Book Women' in the Appalachian Mountains, were strong women of the depression. The story of these brave women—who helped untold numbers of children see the stories amid the chicken scratch—will make us ALL proud of what we do.

First Book Special Edition: With a wonderful story by Heather Henson and powerful illustrations by Caldecott Medal-Winning Illustrator David Small, this title is available in softcover exclusively through the First Book Marketplace! We are pleased to offer this special edition in order to make such an important story about the power of books and reading affordable to children from low-income families nationwide.