MTM: The Power of Voice, Approach and Experience

By Lauren H. Kerstein

You have an idea spark. Woohoo! You can’t wait to write the book! But then, you discover there are other books about this topic out there. What do you do?

First, you need to recognize your voice, approach, and experience are unique to you. A book about this might be out there, but it isn’t your book.

Second, you need to ensure the following are true:

• You know your why!

• Your book is as unique as possible.

• Your book fills a gap in the market.

• You leaned into your voice, approach, and experience.

And then you need to write the best darn book you can! 

Although there was only one other picture book on the market about the packhorse librarians when I drafted my book, there are many more now. As I near the August book birthday for Hope Rode (Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander/Union Square Kids), I not only feel honored to have my book among the others out there, I find it is also helpful to look at these incredible mentor texts in order to understand their differences and similarities.

Although I can’t assume each creator’s why, I’d like to look at the unique aspects of the book, the ways in which the book fills a hole in the market, and the aspects of voice, approach, and experience enhance the story.

First, let’s take a look at JUNIA, THE BOOK MULE OF TROUBLESOME CREEK Written by Kim Michele Richardson; Illustrated by David C. Gardner; Sleeping Bear Press

After reading Kim Michele Richardson’s fantastic adult novels, I was beyond excited to see Junia had her own book! And as always, Richardson did NOT disappoint.

What makes this book unique? 

• First-person POV from the perspective of Junia, the mule

• Based upon Kim Michele Richardson’s adult novels

• Kid accessible prose layered with historical elements and nonfiction information

• Heartfelt humor

• A true taste of Appalachia in the 1930’s

• Gorgeous illustrations

• Engaging, pitch-perfect text

What hole does this book fill in the market?

• It offers an accessible story to children so that can they develop a better understanding of, and appreciation for the packhorse librarians. The author’s note includes important, supplemental information

What aspects of voice, approach, and experience enhance the book?

• Kim Michele Richardson calls Kentucky her home. Her experience as a resident, researcher, and author have given her a great understanding of this topic. Kim says, “I impart my novels with my fierce love for the land, showcasing its intriguing people, rich history, and forgotten song of the region…” Richardson’s experience in a rural Kentucky orphanage as a child and surviving homelessness give her a unique perspective on pain, suffering, poverty, courage, and triumph. I have to believe Richardson’s experiences, unique voice, and honest approach enrich all of her work.

Next, let’s look at a book that is a bit older. THAT BOOK WOMAN Written by Heather Henson; Illustrated by David Small; Atheneum.

What makes this book unique?

• First-person POV from the eldest son in the family

• The first-person POV allows the reader to see his world through his eyes

• Intentional and specific dialectical choices that draw us into the time period and culture

• Insight into the power of books even for a reluctant reader

• Stunning interplay between illustrations and text that reveal nonfiction information, cultural components, and rich environmental details

• The growing relationship between the main character and the book woman

• Social-emotional layers

What hole does this book fill in the market?

• That Book Woman not only sheds light on the packhorse librarians, and the fortitude of the people in Kentucky, it also shows ways in which flexible thinking can lead to important discovery and enriching experiences. 

What aspects of voice, approach, and experience enhance the book?

• Heather Henson (daughter of Jim Henson!) grew up in Kentucky and said she had never learned about these caring and courageous librarians. She wanted to write this book (and others) to ensure future generations would know about the impactful role packhorse librarians played. This desire shines through throughout the story.

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Third, let’s look at BOOKS BY HORSEBACK: A LIBRARIANS BRAVE JOURNEY TO DELIVER BOOKS TO CHILDREN written by Emma Carlson Berne; Illustrated by Ilaria Urbinati; Little Bee Books

What makes this book unique?

• Third-person POV offers a slightly-removed look at the relationship between the packhorse librarian and a child who relies on her book deliveries

• The POV also allows for more of an omniscient approach

• The illustrations give us a glimpse into life in rural Kentucky in the 1930’s, and the topography of the land

• The author’s note offers wonderful insight into the author’s “why” as well as historical information.

What hole does this book fill in the market? - In addition to honoring these incredible librarians, and their ability to navigate the tough terrain, this book offers a rich look at the important relationships book women forged with the people to whom they delivered books.

What aspects of voice, approach, and experience enhance the book?

• The author’s choice to center the narrative arc on a single day in the life of this incredible program, offers insight into the strength of these women. The author herself talks about her why in the author’s note. Her desire to honor her great-grandmother, who taught herself to read, can be felt in each resonant note of this book. 

  
  

Let’s look at the incredible, Jane Yolen’s book next— THE HORSEBACK LIBRARIANS Written by Jane Yolen; Illustrated by Alexandra Badiu; Albert Whitman & Co.

What makes this book unique?

• It focuses on the breadth of relationships the horseback librarians built

• It  highlights the many different types of places the book women visited in order to deliver books

• The illustration style is bright and cheerful, underscoring the beautiful relationships that were formed

• The importance of the book women to the community shines through

What hole does this book fill in the market?

• The Horseback Librarians offers not only a glimpse into the world of the Appalachian mountains, but also the ways in which librarians were woven into the fabric of the community.

What aspects of voice, approach, and experience enhance this book?

• Jane Yolen’s ability to thread nonfiction information into a compelling narrative with relatable, loveable characters truly shines through in this book. 

  
  

And now, let’s turn to my book: HOPE RODE Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander; Union Square Kids which will gallop to bookshelves in August. I can’t wait!

First, my WHY!

• I was fascinated by the topic, and couldn’t stop reading everything featuring the packhorse librarians.

• One of my critique partners said, “Yes! This should be a picture book!”

• Librarians changed my life and I wanted to honor them.

• I LOVE libraries!

• I love stories about strong, badass, remarkable women!

• I love horses and mules!

• I grew up in a family of advocates, readers, and book lovers.

• I wanted to highlight lesser-known facts about this project.

What makes this book unique?

• The book is written as a lyrical ode to the packhorse librarians

• The text and illustrations weave historical information throughout so that readers might develop a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, geographical, and systemic issues at play

• Many librarians are spotlighted in order to offer insight into the breadth of the program

• Extensive research and interviews led to comprehensive backmatter

• The challenges the librarians faced in terms of community acceptance are shown

• The ways in which the horse and the librarian relied on each other and truly cared for each other was highlighted

What hole does this book fill in the market?

• Hope Rode not only offers a close look at the daily trials, tribulations, and joys of the Packhorse Library Project, it also offers insight into these tenacious and courageous women, historical context, topographical information, and insight into the lasting and global impact of this remarkable program. 

What aspects of voice, approach, and experience enhance this book?

My background as a social worker definitely plays a role in all books I write, and certainly contributed to my approach with Hope Rode. Incredible editors at Union Square Kids encouraged me to think bigger, which helped me craft a book that not only offers a global perspective, but also hones in on the social-emotional, advocacy, literacy, and relationship components. The extensive backmatter came from my love for research, and desire to turn over every stone possible. I can’t thank all those who let me interview them enough.

So, what does this mean for you? If you have an idea, but it has “already been done,” read the mentor texts and evaluate them. Answer the above questions. And then write the best story you can write! If we draw from our personal experiences in order to craft a compelling, unique story, we will touch our reader's hearts for years to come.

And one last thing: Now, more than ever, we need to lift up librarians, amplify the importance of librarians, and highlight the value of reading.

Here are a few other books that honor librarians and libraries, even if not the Packhorse Librarians,

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

The Boy Who was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris

Dear Librarian by Lydia M. Sigwarth, Art by Romina Galotta

Planting Stories: the Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Art by Paola Escobar

Feel. Write. Risk.

Lauren

Lauren is an author, psychotherapist, developmental editor/coach, and NYT bestselling ghostwriter. She is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series, Home for A While, and Remembering Sundays with Grandpa. HOPE RODE, a book about the courageous packhorse librarians is galloping to bookshelves in August. Lauren is also releasing four board books this summer. Additionally, Lauren writes books in her field and is releasing a book about emotion regulation in the fall.

Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique and coaching business, and is a long-time member of 12x12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.

NOTE: Click on the titles to buy the books!