Tomas and the Library Lady

Bibliography
Mora, Pat. 1997. Tomas and the Library Lady. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. ISBN 0-679-80401-3


Plot Summary
Tomas is the son of farm workers who work in Texas during the winter and Iowa during the summer. One summer his grandfather, Papa Grande, encourages Tomas, who loves stories, to go to the library. When Tomas arrives at the library he is intimidated by its size until a friendly librarian offers him a glass of water and pile of books. The books provide an escape for Tomas and he begins visiting the library as often as he can and develops a friendship with the librarian. He shares the stories from the library books with his family and teaches the librarian words in Spanish. When the summer is over, Tomas wishes the librarian a farewell and brings her pan dulce that his mother makes. The librarian sends Tomas off with a "shiny new book" so he can continue to tell stories. 


Critical Analysis
Tomas and the Library Lady is a book full of richness of culture, both in text, plot, and illustration. Spanish words are integrated throughout the book making it a more comfortable read for English Language Learners while at the same time teaching English speaking children new words in another language. The plot of a migrant worker family is interesting and brings diversity into a library collection by exploring a family situation that many might not be aware of. There is a strong family bond throughout the book as well and a sense of tradition with the passing on of stories down through the family. 


The illustrations further enhance the depth of the story with their rich deep colors. The apparent texture of the pictures makes you want to touch the pictures and gives them a specific interest and sense of layers. The illustrator does an impressive job of integrating the fictional characters of Tomas' stories in the background of what is going on in the forefront of Tomas' personal story. The combination of a layered story and layered illustrations give the reader a lot to think and look at. And perhaps the best part of this story is that it is true!


Review Excerpts

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

Notable Books for Children,1997,  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

Connections

*Read about other migrant farm workers and see what life is like for those families

* Following read the book, discuss "A Note About the Story" located in the back of the book. Find out more information about Tomas Rivera and the things the did later in life.