Story Time with Robin Kolb, Author of Galloping Away

Join Missoula Public Library and Humanities Montana for a fun, interactive morning with author Robin Kolb and her book Galloping Away, Montana’s 2026 Great Reads from Great Places youth selection. Robin will read from Galloping Away, followed by activities for children and families, including Montana maps to color, word searches, and even a real saddle to try out! Horse-inspired snacks—carrots, apples, and granola bars—will be served, and Fact & Fiction will be on hand to sell books. Families, teachers, and librarians are all welcome to meet Robin, have a book signed, and learn more about bringing her to schools and classrooms.

Galloping Away tells the story of almost-thirteen-year-old Alex, who forms a special bond with a newborn colt on her family’s Montana ranch and dreams of making him her own. But when an attempt to prove herself as a horse trainer ends in disaster, Alex must rebuild her parents’ trust—and her own confidence—before her dream horse gallops away forever. Written for middle-grade readers and also well suited as a read-aloud for younger children, Galloping Away is a story of horses, family, perseverance, and growing up.

Presented in partnership with Humanities Montana and the Montana Center for the Book, this event is part of One Book Montana, a statewide reading program inviting Montanans to read, reflect, and connect through shared books. Galloping Away was selected to represent Montana in the Library of Congress’s Great Reads from Great Places program, which celebrates the unique literary heritage of each state and territory.

About the Author

Robin Kolb is an award-winning author who lives in western Montana. A lifelong lover of both horses and books, she grew up riding her pony—occasionally while reading—and went on to work in show stables and breed and train her own foals. She has degrees in English and anthropology and an M.S. in geology and has worked as both a teacher and riding instructor. Today, Robin writes heartfelt stories for young readers and, when she isn’t writing or reading, can often be found hiking with her Australian Shepherds, shooting a traditional bow, or baking horse-shaped cookies.