TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY by Pat Mora

Bibliography

Mora, Pat. 1997. TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY. Ill. by Raul  Colón. New York: Knopf. ISBN: 0679904018

Plot Summary

Tomás is the son of migrant workers from Texas who travel to Iowa during the summer.  He loves listening to Spanish stories told to him by his grandfather, Papá Grande. One day while in Iowa, Papá Grande suggests that Tomás visit the local library, so he can learn and teach his family new stories. He takes his grandfather's advice and makes his way to the library where he meets the "Library Lady." The kind librarian introduces Tomás to the wonderful world of books and in return he teaches her Spanish words. As the summer comes to an end, Tomás goes to say goodbye to the librarian with a gift of sweet bread his mother made. She too has a gift for Tomás which is a new book for the new storyteller.

Critical Analysis

This heartwarming story is beautifully illustrated in earth tones that depict the warmth of summer and family love. The illustrations also show the reader Tomás' vivid imagination when he is reading the library books. This book is based on childhood experiences of Tomás Rivera, a migrant worker who valued education and went on to become a writer, professor, and chancellor of the University of California at Riverside. Children can relate to the story as it shows examples of family interaction. For example, family travel and a grandfather telling stories to his grandchildren. It also encourages reading and portrays librarians as caring and helpful individuals. Spanish terms and phrases throughout the book could help ESL students learning to read feel more comfortable and introduce a new language to native English speakers.

Review Excerpt(s)

1997 Américas Award for Children’s and  Young Adult Literature Commended Title 

1997 Notable Books for Children, Smithsonian

1998 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award 

1998 Teachers' Choices Award from the International Reading Association 

1998 Skipping Stones Multicultural Book Award

1999-2000, Texas Bluebonnet Master List Title 

1999-2000, Nebraska Golden Sower Nominee

BOOKLIST review: "From the immigrant slums of New York to the fields of California, it’s an elemental American experience: the uprooted child who finds a home in the library. Mora’s story is based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer Tomás Rivera, the son of migrant workers who became an education leader and university president."

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: " gentle text and innovative artwork depict a pivotal summer in a boy’ … Spanish words slip in naturally and unobtrusively throughout Mora’s text as she focuses on the snug library and the books that fire Tomás’ imagination, and on his friendship with the librarian. … While young readers and future librarians will find this an inspiring tale, the endnote gives it a real kick; the story is based on an actual migrant worker who became chancellor of a university—where the library now bears his name."

SMITHSONIAN review: "One summer in 1940s Iowa, a librarian welcomed a migrant worker child who found the wider world—and his future—in books. This powerful story is based on the boyhood of Tomás Rivera, who would grow to become Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside."

Connections

• Available in both English and Spanish.
• Introduce children to simple Spanish vocabulary.
• Introduce books which affirm and celebrate the Latino culture such as BOOK FIESTA! by Pat Mora.
• Celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day).

Related books:

• Mora, Pat. 2009. GRACIAS. Ill. by John Parra. New York: Lee & Low Books. ISBN: 9781600602580
• Mora, Pat. 1992. A BIRTHDAY BASKET FOR TÍA. Ill. by Cecily Lang. New York: McMillan. ISBN: 0027674002