Told from the point of view of a young black child, we discover the joy of a hidden library. I was surprised at the end when I read that this was a fictional story because the story seemed weirdly detailed about some things and skipped over others- like a memory often does. The illustrations were interesting and would catch a children's eye although some of the story flow didn't seem to match the images. A short story that would be a good introduction to further discussion about segregation, poorer lives, the importance of literacy and the ways we can help others.

This lovely story, taken from Calvin Ramsey's childhood memories, is a tribute to the power of literacy to provide knowledge and comfort to others, as well as the strength of the Black American community in sharing that knowledge with others in spite of societal obstacles. When their farm falls on hard times, Calvin and his family move from Maryland to rural Roxboro, North Carolina. Adjusting to his new circumstances is difficult at first, until some schoolmates introduce him to fully-stocked library deep in the woods; one that serves Black patrons who are barred from the whites-only library in town. Calvin is overjoyed with the library, reading book after book, which leads him to spread his love of reading and connect with his father in a new way.

Ramsey's language is vivid and intentional. Readers can sense the great sense of awe and appreciation that he has for this experience in the text, showing that his memories are just as fresh in his mind today as they were then. His end notes include the history behind the construction and maintenance of his beloved childhood libraries and others like them throughout the South. He also includes a tribute to the countless Black librarians who helped staff their libraries and provide services to the communities they served. The role and work of Black librarians in educational and social uplift is one that still deserves attention, so reading Ramsey give them their flowers, as well as the fact that he still remembers his childhood librarian's name, is touching to read, particularly as a Black librarian myself. R. Gregory Christie's illustrations are beautifully cozy. They evoke the feeling of a patchwork quilt, establishing the library and its environment as a precious treasure in a special, hidden place. As a side note, Christie's dedication to Floyd Cooper at the beginning is sweet and very apt. Cooper is still deeply missed and I can see elements of Cooper's style reflected in Christie's work.


Ramsey also does an excellent job of depicting the inherent unfairness of the segregated South and how they show up in interconnected ways (such as the reason for his father dropping out of school early to work) while also showing the ways in which the Black community resisted and continued to educate themselves. He never downplays that reality, but focuses on the community's determination in spite of; an important perspective that is necessary in understanding history. I enjoyed the subtle details that the author included in the book, such as the way that the library provides materials on Black historical figures and culture to their patrons, materials that would not be available in the segregated libraries anyway due to racism. There's an important parallel narrative here about little Calvin finding his place (and friends) in new circumstances, as his comfort with the library is as much about finding comfort in new surroundings overall, especially after such an unexpected move. The book handles all of these interconnected topics well.


This would be an excellent book to use in lesson plans and themed book lists about the history of Black Americans obtaining education, and the intense push for literacy in Black communities. These personal stories about Black fare so important in picture books. In addition to being accessible for young readers, they are also a reminder that this history was not as far in the past as they might think. I think that it's imperative for children (and adults for that matter) to know that authors like Mr. Ramsey are also living witnesses to history and that they have important, meaningful stories to tell.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Carolrhoda Books, for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

This was such a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. As a girl with a father who has difficulty reading, I was able to understand the child's point of view and the joy of reading a book with your dad can bring.

I was struck by just how timely the flood opening the story is. And I'm reminded that every story is relatable to where kids are today - even stories set in the past.

I love how this book champions libraries and books and the importance of reading!

(Always timely.)

"After walking around and listening to the silence of the library, I picked out three books."

The author's writing is both gentle and moving, perfect for readers of all ages. And the artwork is beautiful. The author's note at the end is important, as the historical facts and time period are especially valid.

I loved Junior. He works to transition to city life, making friends and playing ball, as well as learning new things and teaching gently too.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is inspired by the author's childhood experiences in Roxboro, North Carolina. It follows a young boy whose family has to move to town after a flood destroys their farm, and it represents how that boy makes new friends and new connections there, and discovers the local African American library.

The author explains in a special note at the end that even though this story is fictional, it has roots in his childhood experiences in Roxboro, NC. He writes some about what it was like to grow up there, and shares some meaningful reflections about the library.

This story highlights the power of books and literacy, and it's a good example of a story that represents the realities of segregation without including content that might frighten children. This is a good way to introduce children to historic injustices, because even though the book involves heavy themes and invites hard questions, the story itself is not scary or disturbing. This historical fiction picture book is a great choice for libraries and classrooms, and for families to read together.

An interesting and lovely about a boy moving from the country into the city of Roxboro, North Carolina during segregation in 1959. In the city, Junior finds out both good and bad things about living there. One of the good things is a library in the woods for Black residents. I do think some of the pages seemed out of order or last minute additions, a couple of pages had too many paragraphs on them (whole pages of text) and the ending was a bit abrupt yet bittersweet. I think the author does a good job combining real life details into the story as it is about a library he went to as a child. The illustrations are great and blend the story together. This is a nice family read that might get children interested in more historical fiction books.

What a lovely story. I loved the friendship shown in this story and the protagonists self-awareness. A story of family and struggle and overcoming issues that arise. A solemn reminder of how things were and the importance of literacy and inclusion in society.

This story takes place in 1959 when Jim Crow laws unfortunately ruled the South. Junior's family moves, and Junior's new friends lead him to a library that provides books for Black families to borrow. Having access to books is lifechanging for Junior and his family. Junior's library card provides a whole new world of opportunity.

This resonates today, especially with recent budget cuts that will hit poor communities and deepen the digital divide. Libraries should provide access to all.

In the late 1950s, even libraries were segregated. This story talks about a family and how devastated they are that they can’t visit the white library near them. Thankfully, someone opens up a library next-door, which is far more inclusive and means so much too the main character.

This would have been a great book to read when I was a child. I enjoyed reading the Little House on the Prairie series and the rural southern series, Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry and as I read this book, I thought of those books that I devoured as a child. This is a great historical read about learning how libraries were and are still needed and how magical books can be.

The Library in the Woods

In the days before integration, Black people were not allowed to use public libraries. This picture book tells the touching story of a family who needed to move into the city from a farm. The young boy in the family finds a library for Black people in an out of the way place. He checks out books, takes them home, and learns that he has something to teach his father, who has many abilities and much practical knowledge.

This is an inspiring book I recommend for any school or public library.

In segregated North Carolina of 1959, after one door closes, another opens...
A terrible storm forces Junior's parents to give up on their farm and move to town, where Daddy will work in the lumberyard and Momma will wash and iron white people's laundry. Junior misses the country and playing baseball with old friends, until he meets some neighborhood boys who also like ball... and books. Their homes are full of books read for pleasure! And they were borrowed, as they show Junior, from the Library in the Woods. Junior brings books home for himself and Momma, and Daddy, and—I don't want to spoil the ending. It's lovely and for you to discover for yourself.

Such a cute and some what emotional story. Both a little sad and happy. It shows how change may be hard but good can come from it. And even parents need help from their kids at times.

Powerful in its simplicity.

While based on the author's own memories, this book speaks to us all. The illustrations are also strong in their stark simplicity, conveying first the isolation and devastation after a hard hail storm, then the magic of friendships and of the library in the woods. Segregation denied access to libraries to Black Americans. The library opens up a whole new world of possibilities to Junior, the young main character. In the process, he grows closer to his father through the power of words.

I won't belabor this review as the book stands wonderfully strong on its own. Make sure you read the Author's Note at the end as it fills in some spaces that adults might wonder about. Children, too, for that matter. Readers can learn that change can bring turmoil but also good things and growth, too. I want to thank #LernerPublishingGroup for allowing me an early look at this book. As an avid reader from the time I could hold up a book -- lucky me, my family were readers -- I cannot imagine a life without books and can fully appreciate how much this tiny cabin in the woods full of books meant to those who were denied access.

Lovely story of a young boy who shares his love for reading with his family.
Set during segregation, this story is important to share with young readers to help navigate the difficult times in our past and see moments of hope in the midst of those times.

Enjoyable picture book to share with your children.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this book.

“Library in the Woods” is a touching story based on the author’s real life experience using a library when he was growing up. During the time of segregation, non-white people were not permitted into the city libraries to use the facilities or even browse the books. This book touches on several issues, including adult illiteracy, segregation, and the importance of reading. This story is very touching, and because of the issues it touches on this book can be shared during Black History Month and Library appreciation week.

The illustrations are classy and realistic while still just whimsy enough to remind the reader this isn’t entirely fiction. I appreciated how realistic the illustrations were because it served as a great reminder that similar situations did indeed happen in real life to real people.

Books written about libraries are so important! And they remind us why reading is such a treasure. This is one such book that can easily transcend being a read aloud and drive that point home.

This book was very interesting and unique! The main thing I appreciated about this book was how many ideas/topics were packed into one story. There's a big move, history, kindness/compassion, exploration, and inspiration all wrapped into this one book. This is very impressive because I understood and followed the author's train of thought the entire time I read, and nothing got confusing or lost. Another thing that allowed this book to be cohesive and well-rounded was the plot style. The author had a clear idea and made a complete and structured story with it, with a beginning, middle, and end. This book was also not too long or short. Lastly, the illustrations had a distinct style to them, and the tone of the visuals flawlessly matched the story being told. Bravo!!

The story begins with a storm that forever changes the lives of the family causing them to move from the country to the city. Once in the city, the young boy discovers a library for the black community. He checks out a book for each member of his family and goes home and learns that his father has never learned to read. Prompted by his mother to read to his father, the bonds of parent and child are strengthened. Although the acrylic on canvas illustrations are inviting, some of the text feels out of place or like it was added as an afterthought. the story ends abruptly without an adequate wrap-up. The inclusion of back matter on the community represented in the text is appreciated.

A wonderful story! It brought tears to my eyes and offered an incredibly insightful window into the lives of African American families in Roxboro during the segregation times. Deeply moving and beautifully written, this book is both emotional and educational. I would highly recommend it to everyone! The illustrations are magical! I spent a lot of time looking at them on each page!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC