MY KENTUCKY MOONLIGHT SCHOOL

A “Great Reads from Great Places” for the 2026 National Book Festival of the Library of Congress!

“Jewel, the moon’s rising” Mamaw calls to me. “Time for us moonlighters to go.

Jewel and her grandparents set off through the moonlit hills and hollers for graduation night at their moonlight school, where adults from all walks of life attend to learn.

Up and down pine needle trails, through tree-thick woods, and across crooked creeks, Jewel and her grandparents and dozens of people young and old make their way to class. But this school is for grownups, held only on evenings when the moon is bright enough for the students to walk safely, and tonight is the most important night. Jewel has been helping her Mamaw and Papaw with their studies but worries: Has she done enough to get them graduated?

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PRAISE

Starred Review “This gem of a book sparkles like moonlight itself. The text brilliantly captures the rich flavor of early twentieth-century Appalachia, as well as details about how the Moonlight Schools helped Kentuckians. The fluid, ink-lined illustrations are simple yet rich, evoking the historical setting with period details and effectively juxtaposing light and darkness as people follow shadowy trails to the schoolhouse’s warm, golden glow. The concluding note provides compelling background on Moonlight Schools and Cora Wilson Stewart.- Booklist

"Richardson brings a solid sensibility to the Appalachian dialect (“I’ve got the all-overs,” “littler extras”) that lends regional texture. The emotional beats are earnest… Brings light to a little-known piece of history."
― Kirkus Reviews

“Drawing on authentic regional history and language, My Kentucky Moonlight School celebrates literacy as a force for dignity, opportunity.” - Kentucky Humanities Great Reads, a Kentucky Center for the Book Library of Congress.

NKY TRIBUNE INTERVIEW

JUNIA, THE BOOK MULE OF TROUBLESOME CREEK

 The beloved, spunky mule from the bestselling The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek comes to life for young readers in this picture book tribute to Kentucky’s Great Depression Pack Horse Library Project.

Junia is a mule. But she's not just any mule. She's a mule with an important job. Every morning she carries her Book Woman up and down the rugged hills and surrounding woodlands near the Kentucky town of Troublesome Creek. Book Woman is a Pack Horse librarian. She and Junia deliver free books and reading material to the people living in the hills and woods. It's not easy work. Every month they ride hundreds of miles to make their deliveries. They've traveled through sunshine, rain, and snow, up twisting, turning paths where no car or wagon could ever go. But Junia can--steady, sure-footed, bighearted Junia. The library patrons are counting on Book Woman's visits, and Book Woman is counting on Junia. And Junia won't ever let her friend down. Ages 4-9.

FREE Teachers Guide - Activity Sheets - Library Resource

Content was created by Teacher Leaders of ReCHARGE from the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC)

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For Autograph Copies Contact Carmichael’s Bookstore

Signed Bookplates Available to Booksellers, Educators and Bookclubs Upon Request *Subject to Availability

PRAISE

“An endearing tale of love and courage and commitment. It’s also an important reminder of the vital role the Kentucky Pack Horse librarians played in promoting literacy. With a loving eye and authentic voice, Kim Michele Richardson has made Junia come delightfully to life, and David C. Gardner’s illustrations are the perfect accompaniment, warm and comforting, like a quilt on a cool Kentucky night. This is a book sure to find a special place in the hearts of children—and adults—everywhere.”—New York Times bestselling author, William Kent Krueger

“A terrific way to introduce youngsters to this fascinating bit of history. Young readers will be engaged by Junia’s voice and storytelling chops. Every page is filled with gorgeous illustrations that support the story by David C. Garner. 5/5 Chicago Book Review

“A tale of bringing a very valuable commodity to people in the Kentucky hills. A warm, heartfelt, and humorous tale; readers who regularly visit school and public libraries will marvel that such librarians once existed. Colorful illustrations capture the cozy spirit and feel of the rural setting and residents. Junia’s a delight; kids would love to meet her on their next library trip. It’s heartening to learn that books and libraries—no matter their form—have always prevailed.” -Kirkus

“An iconic animal, Junia is the Lassie of our time. The beloved mule cocoons me in Richardson’s story, makes me want to stay in her safety and love.  Gardner’s illustrations lovingly illuminate Junia’s journey. We should all be so lucky to have a Junia taking good care of us like she does Book Woman and just as librarians do in our communities today. I am completely smitten.” -Bren, McClain, award winning author of One Good Mama Bone

“A delight. A heartwarming, sweet book about the importance of these once traveling librarians delivering hope.” - Leslie Zemeckis, Montecito JOURNAL