For October we have selected That Book Woman , by Heather Henson as the Bloomington Elementary Book of the Month. We encourage you to read this book together as a family and then talk about the discussion questions below. This book is a great example of how the Pack Horse Librarians of the 1930’s and 40’s provided service to those families who lived deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Because of their dedication and service, many families were able to receive reading materials that they were unable to get any other way. You might find it interesting to look at the web sites provided in the back of the book. Here you can see actual photographs of the Pack Horse Librarians that made such a difference in the lives of the people of Kentucky. After reading this story we hope that our students are inspired to find ways that they too can serve others and make a difference in their lives.
Suggestions for reading the story and talking about the book together:
Discuss the following questions after reading the text:
- What does Cal think about school and learning?
- Why is Cal so angry when his father offers up the poke of berries in exchange for the books? Does Cal later change his mind about giving the book woman something in exchange for her work? Why?
- Why do you think the Book Woman won’t accept payment of gifts from the people she delivers her books to? Why do you think the families keep trying to give her things?
- What makes Cal decide to learn to read?
- Describe how Cal’s face looks in the beginning of the book, when he talks about reading, and when the book woman first starts coming around. Does the expression on his face change as the story continues? Why?
- What is the gift that Cal ends up giving the Book Woman? Why did she think this was “gift enough?”
- Is it important for Cal and his family to learn to read? What will reading help them to do?