E214: A Love Letter to Librarians: HOPE RODE by Lauren H. Kerstein episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 2, 2026 · 35 MIN

E214: A Love Letter to Librarians: HOPE RODE by Lauren H. Kerstein

from Kidlit Love: Conversations with Picture Book and Middle Grade Authors · host Stephanie Affinito

On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Lauren H. Kerstein about her newest picture book: HOPE RODE.This picture book tells the true story of Kentucky’s packhorse librarians: the extraordinary woman who rode on horseback through the Appalachian mountains during the Great Depression to deliver books to communities that had none. It went right to my book-loving heart and it will to yours, too.Come listen as we talk about the adult fiction book that inspired the book, the lyrical language and stunning illustrations inside, the back matter that will quench your curiosity to know more and the writing tip that I’m totally stealing. =)Here is the book featured in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!HOPE RODE by Lauren H. Kerstein (Amazon / Bookshop)Here’s where you can find Lauren online:Website: https://laurenkerstein.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenkerstein/I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Share your comments below!KidLit love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷Here are some free ways to support this newsletter and spread my love of children’’s literature far and wide:🩷 Like and comment on this post so we can connect!🔄 Restack and add your favorite nugget from the podcast.📷 Take a screenshot of your favorite part and text it to a kidlit friend.💌 Forward this email to a fellow kidlit colleague so they can join the book love too!⌨️ Refer a friend and earn prizes….including courses and coaching sessions with me!Thanks for reading the KidLit Love newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kidlitlove.substack.com

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E214: A Love Letter to Librarians: HOPE RODE by Lauren H. Kerstein

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This episode was published on April 2, 2026.

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