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Tomás and the Library Lady
A Common Core Exemplar Text by an award-winning author-illustrator team
Tomás is a son of migrant workers. Every summer he and his family follow the crops north from Texas to Iowa, spending long, arduous days in the fields. At night they gather around to hear Grandfather's wonderful stories. But before long, Tomás knows all the stories by heart. "There are more stories in the library," Papa Grande tells him. The very next day, Tomás meets the library lady and a whole new world opens up for him.
Based on the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, a child of migrant workers who went on to become the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system, this inspirational story suggests what libraries--and education--can make possible. Raul Colón's warm, expressive paintings perfectly interweave the harsh realities of Tomás's life, the joyful imaginings he finds in books, and his special relationships with a wise grandfather and a caring librarian.
This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards Text Exemplar (Grades K-1, Read-Aloud Stories) in Appendix B
Tomás is a son of migrant workers. Every summer he and his family follow the crops north from Texas to Iowa, spending long, arduous days in the fields. At night they gather around to hear Grandfather's wonderful stories. But before long, Tomás knows all the stories by heart. "There are more stories in the library," Papa Grande tells him. The very next day, Tomás meets the library lady and a whole new world opens up for him.
Based on the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, a child of migrant workers who went on to become the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system, this inspirational story suggests what libraries--and education--can make possible. Raul Colón's warm, expressive paintings perfectly interweave the harsh realities of Tomás's life, the joyful imaginings he finds in books, and his special relationships with a wise grandfather and a caring librarian.
This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards Text Exemplar (Grades K-1, Read-Aloud Stories) in Appendix B
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 23, 1997
13 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
About the author
Pat Mora
85 books96 followersPat Mora (born 1942) is a female Mexican-American author and poet. Pat Mora was born in El Paso, Texas. She is married and has 3 grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
February 25, 2021
This is a book for children a little older than beginners. It’s about a boy in Iowa for the summer who finds his library for the 1st time and experiences the joys of a cool place to read in the summer. His family is a family of seasonal farm workers picking corn for the summer.
The boy develops a nice relationship with the librarian and he teaches her some Spanish words at her request. The boy loves stories and being able to be transported away to another space, all in his head.
This is a great story for anyone who loves libraries and wants to share that joy with a child.
The artwork in the story is interesting using muted colors and using fascinating details in the brush strokes, but it isn’t really my taste. Still, it took talent to do this.
November 24, 2021
I think what I appreciate most about Pat Mora's biographical Tomas and the Library Lady is how sensitive, caring and culturally aware the so called Library Lady is towards young Tomas. For she not only inspires his love of books, she is very much aware of potential problems and requirements that might be encountered. So yes, the first time Tomas arrives at the library, the Library Lady gives him a cool glass of water to drink, and she actually signs out the library books for him in her own name. And not only does this show her sensitivities to the possible needs of migrant farm workers (lack of money, that Tomas would likely not have a library card, and that he would also be hot and thirsty after his long walk), the Library Lady also trusts that Tomas will return the books that she has signed out in her own name (and well, a less sympathetic and sensitive person might well have had negative attitudes towards migrant farm workers and Latinos/Latinas in general, so this part of the story, Tomas and the Library Lady really touched me, and also continues to touch me).
And the Library Lady also shows interest in Tomas' mother tongue, asking Tomas to teach her some Spanish words. For her, Spanish is a language, a beautiful language to be learned. Both she and Tomas respect each other's traditions, and the Library Lady never assumes that English and/or Anglo-American culture is in any way superior. And a final wonderful touch with Tomas and the Library Lady is the fact that when Tomas brings his (probably uni-lingual) grandfather to the library, the Library Lady greets him respectfully in his own language, in Spanish. So yes indeed, I absolutely love Tomas and the Library Lady, and even the accompanying illustrations are warm, enticing and really capture both the magic of books and the feelings and emotions of the presented characters.
Finally and for me, very if not even most importantly, I also I firmly consider that Tomas and the Library Lady also and clearly demonstrates the very many and important responsibilities and obligations that teachers, librarians and the like have or should have towards making the educational experience wonderful and rewarding for everyone. For if a librarian or a teacher acts respectfully to a stranger, to a recent immigrant, to a member of a visible minority, this might very well also cause others to imitate this behaviour (or to at least learn from this behaviour). But conversely, a bigoted teacher or librarian might also cause his/her students and others to imitate and accept said bigotry. Tomas' Library Lady should thus be seen and celebrated as a wonderful role model, of how strangers, members of visible minorities, immigrants should be approached, namely with respect, kindness, and total absolute acceptance.
And the Library Lady also shows interest in Tomas' mother tongue, asking Tomas to teach her some Spanish words. For her, Spanish is a language, a beautiful language to be learned. Both she and Tomas respect each other's traditions, and the Library Lady never assumes that English and/or Anglo-American culture is in any way superior. And a final wonderful touch with Tomas and the Library Lady is the fact that when Tomas brings his (probably uni-lingual) grandfather to the library, the Library Lady greets him respectfully in his own language, in Spanish. So yes indeed, I absolutely love Tomas and the Library Lady, and even the accompanying illustrations are warm, enticing and really capture both the magic of books and the feelings and emotions of the presented characters.
Finally and for me, very if not even most importantly, I also I firmly consider that Tomas and the Library Lady also and clearly demonstrates the very many and important responsibilities and obligations that teachers, librarians and the like have or should have towards making the educational experience wonderful and rewarding for everyone. For if a librarian or a teacher acts respectfully to a stranger, to a recent immigrant, to a member of a visible minority, this might very well also cause others to imitate this behaviour (or to at least learn from this behaviour). But conversely, a bigoted teacher or librarian might also cause his/her students and others to imitate and accept said bigotry. Tomas' Library Lady should thus be seen and celebrated as a wonderful role model, of how strangers, members of visible minorities, immigrants should be approached, namely with respect, kindness, and total absolute acceptance.
May 6, 2010
I really appreciated the kind and wise library lady in Tomás and the Library Lady. I love how perceptive she was about Tomás' circumstances, always making sure he got something cool to drink, and being so encouraging of him sharing his language with her--it made it so they were equal learners in the process and I think that is just so darn important! Kids need to know that they can share things with adults! I also loved the sharing across generations, with the grandfather telling his stories and then Tomás reading books to his family! Wonderful! I also think this book highlighted the struggles of migrant workers and of course it was great that it's a true story and that the real Tomás grew up to be so passionate about (and influential in) education.
In terms of capturing the dawning love-of-reading, I thought this wasn't quite as strong as the book I had, coincidentally, read just a day or two before (That Book Woman which I thought was just magical!) but I still really enjoyed this one.
In terms of capturing the dawning love-of-reading, I thought this wasn't quite as strong as the book I had, coincidentally, read just a day or two before (That Book Woman which I thought was just magical!) but I still really enjoyed this one.
May 5, 2010
This is a lovely and inspiring story. If not for the note about the story at the end of the book, which gives information about Tomås Rivera’s life, I’d have thought the ending of the story was sad though.
I loved the illustrations. The way color is used is wonderful, and I like the muted quality of the pictures.
I appreciated how this migrant worker boy was helped by a librarian to find so much joy in books. Both the story and illustrations do a fabulous job of showing how the stories in books can come alive for their readers. the note at the end of the story also shows the power books and reading have: they can be life changing.
I loved the illustrations. The way color is used is wonderful, and I like the muted quality of the pictures.
I appreciated how this migrant worker boy was helped by a librarian to find so much joy in books. Both the story and illustrations do a fabulous job of showing how the stories in books can come alive for their readers. the note at the end of the story also shows the power books and reading have: they can be life changing.
April 12, 2019
A lovely and affecting story about how a young boy and his migrant worker family's lives are enriched by a helpful librarian.
January 20, 2020
Every summer, Tomás and his family would travel from their home in Texas to the corn fields of Iowa, where his parents worked as farmhands. Sitting in the shade of a tree with their grandfather, Papá Grande, on the hot afternoons, Tomás and his brother Enrique would listen to his many wonderful stories. When Tomás completed one of those stories for him, Papá Grande suggested that it was time for him to find some of his own... at the local library. And so began a wonderful summer of discovery, in which a kind library lady pointed Tomás towards a wealth of informative and entertaining books, about everything from dinosaurs to tigers.
Based upon the life of Mexican-American poet and educator Tomás Rivera, the son of migrant farm-workers, who eventually became the chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, Tomás and the Library Lady is a lovely tribute to a remarkable man, and to the woman who first set him on his journey of discovery. It emphasizes the joy of reading - its transformative and transportive power - as young Tomás becomes so absorbed in his books that Iowa, Texas, the entire world, all fade away as he reads. I was reminded, in fact, of one of my favorite early readers - also about a library - Crosby Bonsall's Tell Me Some More... , and that is high praise! The accompanying artwork by Raul Colón is beautiful, accentuating the magical aspects of Tomás' reading. All in all, a wonderful picture-book, highly recommended to all young bibliophiles and library lovers!
Based upon the life of Mexican-American poet and educator Tomás Rivera, the son of migrant farm-workers, who eventually became the chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, Tomás and the Library Lady is a lovely tribute to a remarkable man, and to the woman who first set him on his journey of discovery. It emphasizes the joy of reading - its transformative and transportive power - as young Tomás becomes so absorbed in his books that Iowa, Texas, the entire world, all fade away as he reads. I was reminded, in fact, of one of my favorite early readers - also about a library - Crosby Bonsall's Tell Me Some More... , and that is high praise! The accompanying artwork by Raul Colón is beautiful, accentuating the magical aspects of Tomás' reading. All in all, a wonderful picture-book, highly recommended to all young bibliophiles and library lovers!
July 9, 2010
Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora
Illustrated by Raul Colón
Ages K-4
32p Publisher: Dragonfly Books 2000
This book is based upon the real life experiences of Tomás Rivera, the son of migrant worker parents, who valued education and eventually became the chancellor of the University of California at Riverside. In Tomás and the Library Lady, Tomás is the young son of migrant laborers who leave their home in Texas to find work in Iowa. When it became too hot in the fields, Tomas liked to hear his grandfather, Papá Grande, tell stories. One day Papá Grande said, “Tomás, you know all my stories. There are many more in the library. You are big enough to go by yourself. Then you can teach us new stories.” The next day, Tomás goes to the library and is welcomed by the librarian. She first shows him to the drinking fountain, where Tomás gets a cool drink of water. She then brings him books on topics he likes. Tomás leaves that day with books the librarian checks out for him in her name. This is the beginning of a beautiful, but brief, friendship. The librarian enriches Tomás with wonderful books, and Tomas teaches the librarian some Spanish. All too soon, he must teach her the meaning of “Adiós,” as his family must move again. He gives the librarian some sweet bread, and she gives him a book to keep. Colón’s soft tone illustrations beautifully depict the world from Tomas’ adolescent perspective. Colón weaves the illustrations to demonstrate to the reader the stories Tomás is hearing, and the books he is reading. The Spanish language is used throughout the book and lends cultural credibly to the text.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and, even though it is best suited for younger students, I would not hesitate to use it as a discussion starter with my high school students. Viewing challenging life circumstances, such as the conditions of migrant workers, through the eyes of a young child, may help older students identify the emotions experienced by children in these situations. Another book that explores the reality of migrant workers is Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez. Tomás and the Library Lady may be a gentle way to introduce this book to older students.
Illustrated by Raul Colón
Ages K-4
32p Publisher: Dragonfly Books 2000
This book is based upon the real life experiences of Tomás Rivera, the son of migrant worker parents, who valued education and eventually became the chancellor of the University of California at Riverside. In Tomás and the Library Lady, Tomás is the young son of migrant laborers who leave their home in Texas to find work in Iowa. When it became too hot in the fields, Tomas liked to hear his grandfather, Papá Grande, tell stories. One day Papá Grande said, “Tomás, you know all my stories. There are many more in the library. You are big enough to go by yourself. Then you can teach us new stories.” The next day, Tomás goes to the library and is welcomed by the librarian. She first shows him to the drinking fountain, where Tomás gets a cool drink of water. She then brings him books on topics he likes. Tomás leaves that day with books the librarian checks out for him in her name. This is the beginning of a beautiful, but brief, friendship. The librarian enriches Tomás with wonderful books, and Tomas teaches the librarian some Spanish. All too soon, he must teach her the meaning of “Adiós,” as his family must move again. He gives the librarian some sweet bread, and she gives him a book to keep. Colón’s soft tone illustrations beautifully depict the world from Tomas’ adolescent perspective. Colón weaves the illustrations to demonstrate to the reader the stories Tomás is hearing, and the books he is reading. The Spanish language is used throughout the book and lends cultural credibly to the text.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and, even though it is best suited for younger students, I would not hesitate to use it as a discussion starter with my high school students. Viewing challenging life circumstances, such as the conditions of migrant workers, through the eyes of a young child, may help older students identify the emotions experienced by children in these situations. Another book that explores the reality of migrant workers is Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez. Tomás and the Library Lady may be a gentle way to introduce this book to older students.
April 16, 2009
Tomas is young boy who loves stories. His parents are migrant farm workers who spend the winter in Texas and the summer in Iowa. Tomas meets a friendly librarian and discovers a world of imagination in books.
Founder of El Dia de los Ninos, Pat Mora is a Mexican-American author. This book explores the Mexican-American family experience. Tomas is an authentic character. His story was written by a Chicana and is based on the true story of Tomas Rivera, a national education leader. The vivid illustrations by Raul Colon, compliment the story perfectly.
This is an excellent book for all beginning readers because it encourages literacy. It is equally delightful for future librarians who get excited when they read about kids getting hooked on books.
Founder of El Dia de los Ninos, Pat Mora is a Mexican-American author. This book explores the Mexican-American family experience. Tomas is an authentic character. His story was written by a Chicana and is based on the true story of Tomas Rivera, a national education leader. The vivid illustrations by Raul Colon, compliment the story perfectly.
This is an excellent book for all beginning readers because it encourages literacy. It is equally delightful for future librarians who get excited when they read about kids getting hooked on books.
May 8, 2010
I enjoyed reading it. The book's dedication was written in memory of Tomas Rivera, who loved books, and for librarians who lure us in. I appreciate that the author dedicated it to librarians. They play a very important role in the world of books with children. I like how the author also makes a point that you don't have to have money to enjoy books. As for the illustrations I found them interesting. I don't recall a book off the top of my head that I have seen illustrated quite like this. I like the use of texture. It was fun learning Spanish words with the English version.
May 12, 2010
I absolutely and totally love this book. The illustrations are beautiful, as is the story. It is about how a librarian touches the life of a young boy - the son of a migrant worker.
It's based on a true story, and a biographical note is included at the end. If you ever wonder about the possibility of making a difference in a young person's life, pick up this book. It will encourage you. Who would have guessed the impact that one librarian would have on a migrant, and where it would lead him.
The beauty of this book brought tears to my eyes.
It's based on a true story, and a biographical note is included at the end. If you ever wonder about the possibility of making a difference in a young person's life, pick up this book. It will encourage you. Who would have guessed the impact that one librarian would have on a migrant, and where it would lead him.
The beauty of this book brought tears to my eyes.
September 28, 2017
A wonderful book for anyone who has every loved the library.
As the son of migrant workers, Tomas spends some of his time at the library while his family works in the fields. The library offers a place for him to get out of the hot weather, plus he learn news things from the many books. The librarian is kind and encourages Tomas with his reading.
As the son of migrant workers, Tomas spends some of his time at the library while his family works in the fields. The library offers a place for him to get out of the hot weather, plus he learn news things from the many books. The librarian is kind and encourages Tomas with his reading.
November 15, 2018
I'm not crying, you're crying!
Seriously, for the librarians out there. Read this one. It is food for our librarian souls.
It is also lovely, well-illustrated, inclusive, and reading-positive. So read it to the kiddos too!
Seriously, for the librarians out there. Read this one. It is food for our librarian souls.
It is also lovely, well-illustrated, inclusive, and reading-positive. So read it to the kiddos too!
January 21, 2021
Pat Mora's story and Raul Colon's imaginative illustrations combine to share the story of a boy who is able to immerse himself into more stories by visiting the Library and the Library Lady who helps him. Along the way, she herself learns and grows from Tomas as she learns Spanish.
A fun read about the power and appreciation of both family, language, spoken oral storytelling and reading;
A fun read about the power and appreciation of both family, language, spoken oral storytelling and reading;
January 9, 2020
Rereading an older, classic title...
Tomas and his family have moved from Texas to Iowa because his Papa and Mama are migrant workers. While his parents are in the fields picking corn, Tomas and his brother Enrique sit in the shade listening to their Papa Grande tell them stories. When Tomas knows all of Papa Grande's stories by heart, he is encouraged to go to the library to learn more. The rest of this story is about the joys that Tomas finds because of the friendly librarian who takes him under her wing.
Inspired by the real life story of Tomas Rivera, a migrant boy who grew up to become chancellor of the University of California at Riverside, this powerful story is a reminder of the strong influence that compassionate librarians and good libraries can have in the lives of everyone in our communities. It is just as relevant today as when it was written.
Use this book with the Pura Belpre Honor Book A Day in Grapes by L. King Perez (Lee & Low Books) and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Each Kindness by Jackie Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books) for a powerful experience of what it is like to be a migrant child in the United States. All of these titles are useful also to help build empathy for others.
Highly recommended for Preschool-grade 3.
Tomas and his family have moved from Texas to Iowa because his Papa and Mama are migrant workers. While his parents are in the fields picking corn, Tomas and his brother Enrique sit in the shade listening to their Papa Grande tell them stories. When Tomas knows all of Papa Grande's stories by heart, he is encouraged to go to the library to learn more. The rest of this story is about the joys that Tomas finds because of the friendly librarian who takes him under her wing.
Inspired by the real life story of Tomas Rivera, a migrant boy who grew up to become chancellor of the University of California at Riverside, this powerful story is a reminder of the strong influence that compassionate librarians and good libraries can have in the lives of everyone in our communities. It is just as relevant today as when it was written.
Use this book with the Pura Belpre Honor Book A Day in Grapes by L. King Perez (Lee & Low Books) and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Each Kindness by Jackie Woodson (Nancy Paulsen Books) for a powerful experience of what it is like to be a migrant child in the United States. All of these titles are useful also to help build empathy for others.
Highly recommended for Preschool-grade 3.
March 7, 2010
This is a true story about a little boy who gained inspiration, support and knowledge from a kindly library lady. His family members were migrant farmers and they moved around a lot. But for one summer, he was able to see the wonders of reading and how great it is to spend time in a library. And that was the start of a remarkable education and a successful career that touched many student's lives.
This story was selected as one of the books for the May 2010 - Latino reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This story was selected as one of the books for the May 2010 - Latino reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
October 22, 2015
Includes
- an exploration of a Mexican-American family experience
- a socially conscious librarian who allows a young boy to check out books under her own name
- two individuals from very different cultures working together to build a bridge
- beautiful, imaginative illustrations
- quite a lot of text. Might make for a longer story time.
- Spanish vocabulary
This is a Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner and is inspired by the true story of Tomas Rivera, a chancellor of the University of California Riverside.
Makes me want to find more books written by Pat Mora. Also makes me want to become a librarian!
Grades K-4.
- an exploration of a Mexican-American family experience
- a socially conscious librarian who allows a young boy to check out books under her own name
- two individuals from very different cultures working together to build a bridge
- beautiful, imaginative illustrations
- quite a lot of text. Might make for a longer story time.
- Spanish vocabulary
This is a Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner and is inspired by the true story of Tomas Rivera, a chancellor of the University of California Riverside.
Makes me want to find more books written by Pat Mora. Also makes me want to become a librarian!
Grades K-4.
August 15, 2015
A librarian who reinforced a love of reading, changed my life. And, such is the case with Tomas Rivera who was born in Texas to a migrant working family. Becoming a success later in life, Tomas never forgot the importance of libraries and librarians. Valuing education, he became a professor and a university administrator.
This book tells the story of Tomas who discovered libraries and through reading, doors opened into his imagination.
Sharing the stories in the books with his family at night reinforced reading habits and a love of books.
This book tells the story of Tomas who discovered libraries and through reading, doors opened into his imagination.
Sharing the stories in the books with his family at night reinforced reading habits and a love of books.
September 4, 2014
A sweet book about the son of migrant workers who discovers the magic inside a library.The pictures are detailed and done in an interesting style and though the plot is simple, it sends a powerful message. There's a lot of text on each page, so this book would be better for upper elementary readers.
May 2, 2013
I liked that this book was based off a true story about the impact of libraries and librarians and that the dedication states, "For librarians who lure us in."
June 27, 2016
Really liked this book. I love a book about a library with a happy ending.
August 29, 2018
Reading takes us almost anywhere we want to go -- in our imagination and our life.
November 11, 2024
Wow, what a perfect picture book. The scratchboard illustrations complement the honest but also age-appropriate story of the young son of migrant farm workers. Tomás discovers a local library in Iowa, and, through a kind librarian, a love of reading and storytelling, which he shares with his whole family. The postscript shares the inspirational story of the real Tomás. I won't lie, I sniffled throughout much of the book. Absolutely recommended.
October 24, 2014
Tomás's parents are migrant farm workers who pick vegetables and fruits in Texas during winter and in Iowa during summer. Summer has begun, and Tomás reluctantly boards his family’s rusty car and sadly waves goodbye to his Texas home. After traveling in the heat for many hours, Tomás is relieved when his family finally arrives at the home they will share with other migrant workers. Papa Grande, Tomás’s grandfather, is the best storyteller Tomás knows. Tomás and his brother, Enrique, enjoy listening to Papa Grande’s stories in Spanish whenever it gets too hot. After realizing that Tomás has memorized all his stories by heart, Papa Grande encourages Tomás to visit the library because he will find more stories, and then he can become the family’s new storyteller. With a giant library looming in front of him and the windows seemly glaring at him, Tomás hesitates to enter the library, but he finally summons the courage to open the door. Upon entering the library, a friendly librarian welcomes Tomás and offers him cold water. Tomás tells the library lady that he wants to read about dinosaurs and tigers, so the librarian grants his wish and hands him a pile of books. Immediately upon reading the first page, Tomás is pulled into the world of books and forgets about his struggles. Noticing his love of reading, the library lady allows Tomás to take two books home under her name. Now, Tomas is the storyteller and reads to his family in Spanish and English. Sometimes, Tomás’s family goes to the dump in order to find items they need; Enrique searches for toys whereas Tomas searches for books. The library lady enjoys reading with Tomás and asks him to teach her Spanish; Tomás feels proud that he can be the teacher. In August, Tomás must teach the library lady the word “adios” because he is heading back to Texas for winter. As Tomás reluctantly boards his family’s rusty car and sadly waves goodbye to the library lady, he clutches onto the new book that she gave him as a present.
Tomás and the Library Lady is historical fiction. This book is based on the life of a Mexican-American educator named Tomás Rivera. He was the son of migrant workers and eventually became the first minority Chancellor of the University of California.
The collaborative work of Pat Mora and Raul Colón in creating Tomás and the Library Lady is an exceptional masterpiece, like all of their other previous books. Both Pat Mora and Raul Colón are Hispanic, proving that the provide accurate representations of the Hispanic culture. Raul Colón’s scratch board drawings and soft toned colors portray the caring relationships between Tomás and his family and Tomás and the library lady. With about four sentences on each page and simple vocabulary, the book is appropriate for children ages four through nine. This book is ideal for a read aloud because it offers children many perspectives and ideas to think about. One major idea represented in Tomás and the Library Lady is the idea of respecting another person’s culture and accepting diversity. Because American schools are more diverse more than ever before, discussing the idea of accepting and respecting people from diverse backgrounds is crucial. When the library lady first meets Tomás, she kindly welcomes him despite the fact that she is a white American, and he is Hispanic. Although the library lady did not know Tomás, she nonetheless trusted him to bring back the books that she had checked out under her name. The library lady shows interest and respect for Tomás’s language by asking him to teach her words in Spanish. On their last day together, Tomás brings Papa Grande to the library. Rather than greeting Papa Grande in English, the library lady respects his culture and instead says “buenas tardes, señor.” Thus, the library lady is an ideal example for both teachers and students to respect and accept people who are different from them.
Because the book does not oversimplify the experience of migrant workers, it can launch discussions with older elementary students as well. Tomás and the Library Lady gives children a glimpse into the challenging living conditions and struggles of migrant workers. Since Tomás is a child, young children may better sympathize with his situation, enabling students to consider different perspectives.
Also, the book encourages reading. Tomás’s love of reading allows him to place himself in stories and get lost within the world of books. Similarly, children can learn that they also can discover new worlds by reading books.
Tomás and the Library Lady is historical fiction. This book is based on the life of a Mexican-American educator named Tomás Rivera. He was the son of migrant workers and eventually became the first minority Chancellor of the University of California.
The collaborative work of Pat Mora and Raul Colón in creating Tomás and the Library Lady is an exceptional masterpiece, like all of their other previous books. Both Pat Mora and Raul Colón are Hispanic, proving that the provide accurate representations of the Hispanic culture. Raul Colón’s scratch board drawings and soft toned colors portray the caring relationships between Tomás and his family and Tomás and the library lady. With about four sentences on each page and simple vocabulary, the book is appropriate for children ages four through nine. This book is ideal for a read aloud because it offers children many perspectives and ideas to think about. One major idea represented in Tomás and the Library Lady is the idea of respecting another person’s culture and accepting diversity. Because American schools are more diverse more than ever before, discussing the idea of accepting and respecting people from diverse backgrounds is crucial. When the library lady first meets Tomás, she kindly welcomes him despite the fact that she is a white American, and he is Hispanic. Although the library lady did not know Tomás, she nonetheless trusted him to bring back the books that she had checked out under her name. The library lady shows interest and respect for Tomás’s language by asking him to teach her words in Spanish. On their last day together, Tomás brings Papa Grande to the library. Rather than greeting Papa Grande in English, the library lady respects his culture and instead says “buenas tardes, señor.” Thus, the library lady is an ideal example for both teachers and students to respect and accept people who are different from them.
Because the book does not oversimplify the experience of migrant workers, it can launch discussions with older elementary students as well. Tomás and the Library Lady gives children a glimpse into the challenging living conditions and struggles of migrant workers. Since Tomás is a child, young children may better sympathize with his situation, enabling students to consider different perspectives.
Also, the book encourages reading. Tomás’s love of reading allows him to place himself in stories and get lost within the world of books. Similarly, children can learn that they also can discover new worlds by reading books.
October 11, 2015
This text deals with a child named Tomas who lives with his extended family including his grandfather, Papa Grande. Tomas enjoys listening to his grandfather's stories but he yearns for more, so Papa Grande tells him about the library. Tomas meets the "library lady" who introduces him to all types of stories and books. She gives Tomas a book to keep for his own and forever ignites his interest in reading. The story has a rich plot and will keep young readers interested until the end. This is also a great book for teachers to have because it introduces concepts such as immigration, extended families, bilingualism and history. The story of Tomas is based on the real-life story of Tomas Rivera. Children can engage with this book to make text-to-self and text-to-world connections. The characters are multifaceted and not over-generalized. The illustrations use deep, earthy tones to bring the story to life and give it more context. I also liked how the language style and dialogue is representative of the Hispanic heritage and gives readers more insight into this culture.
"Early the next morning Mama and Papa went out to pick corn in the green fields. All day they worked in the hot sun. Tomas and Enrique carried water to them. Then the boys played with a ball Mama had sewn from an old teddy bear."
"Early the next morning Mama and Papa went out to pick corn in the green fields. All day they worked in the hot sun. Tomas and Enrique carried water to them. Then the boys played with a ball Mama had sewn from an old teddy bear."
July 31, 2013
YES YES YES
6 star book
this one made my cry. there is a one paragraph afterward that tells the truth of this story.
an immigrant boy, his family following the harvesting seasons from texas to iowa to texas and back is told by his grandfather he is old enough to go to the library. the boy, tomas, is invited in and encouraged in his readings by the library lady. encouraged to the point that the campus library at u.c. riverside wears the boy's name - the boy that would grow up to be Dr Tomas, uc riverside's chacellor.
raul colon, an artist that could draw a straight line worth framing, did his usual brilliant art.
(because of the big fuss in d.c. right now between the president and the republicans and the republicans and the republicans this comment; this book shows why we don't want THEM crawling across the river into our country, THEY might end up being educators and job creators.)
6 star book
this one made my cry. there is a one paragraph afterward that tells the truth of this story.
an immigrant boy, his family following the harvesting seasons from texas to iowa to texas and back is told by his grandfather he is old enough to go to the library. the boy, tomas, is invited in and encouraged in his readings by the library lady. encouraged to the point that the campus library at u.c. riverside wears the boy's name - the boy that would grow up to be Dr Tomas, uc riverside's chacellor.
raul colon, an artist that could draw a straight line worth framing, did his usual brilliant art.
(because of the big fuss in d.c. right now between the president and the republicans and the republicans and the republicans this comment; this book shows why we don't want THEM crawling across the river into our country, THEY might end up being educators and job creators.)
January 27, 2010
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a boy named Tomas whose working family travels from Texas through Iowa following the crops. Tomas' enjoys listening to his grandfather tell his stories each day as they rest in the shade of the tree. One day Grandfather suggests that Tomas check out the library for some new stories. The librarian welcomes him and Tomas finds himself far away from the crops and in places only books can take you. Tomas shares his new stories with his family.
This story portrays the power of books and the stories they tell. This book literally brought tears to my eyes and immediately made it on my top 10 favorite picture book list
This story portrays the power of books and the stories they tell. This book literally brought tears to my eyes and immediately made it on my top 10 favorite picture book list
January 31, 2012
This book taught my son a bit about the life of a migrant family. Also, good for bilingual children!
January 16, 2020
In this realistic fiction picture book, the son of migrant farm workers discovers the library. Tomas travels with his family from Texas to Iowa each year for the harvest. His family works hard in the fields all day, then relaxes at night while enjoying Grandfather’s storytelling. Grandfather encourages Tomas to visit the library and discover new stories for himself. Tomas is nervous, but goes to the local library and meets the kind “library lady” who brings him cold water and helps him discover a whole new world of stories in the pages of books. This is a fabulous story of a boy developing his love of reading, and a relationship with a caring adult.
This is a great book for use in the primary or intermediate classroom. It could be used as a “mirror” into the lives of our students whose families are migrants or immigrants, and as a “window” in order to develop background knowledge for children from different backgrounds. It would also be a great book to spark conversations about a lesson or message of a story; that in the pages of a book, you can experience places and things you have not yet experienced in life.
This is a great book for use in the primary or intermediate classroom. It could be used as a “mirror” into the lives of our students whose families are migrants or immigrants, and as a “window” in order to develop background knowledge for children from different backgrounds. It would also be a great book to spark conversations about a lesson or message of a story; that in the pages of a book, you can experience places and things you have not yet experienced in life.
July 27, 2021
Solid book about the child of migrant workers learning to read at the library. I love the aspect of the librarian learning Spanish from the kid, which made it a reciprocal relationship instead of a heroic savior situation. I also really liked the warm illustrations.
This book highlights Hispanic characters during the 1930s, which is a demographic I wanted to represent.
This book highlights Hispanic characters during the 1930s, which is a demographic I wanted to represent.
January 7, 2022
*lies down and cries* I'm a sap.
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