Tomás and the Library Lady

Bibliography

Mora, P. (2000). TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY.  Illustrated by R. Colón. Dragonfly Books. ISBN: 978-0-375-80349-9.

Plot Summary

TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY is about a young boy, Tomás, who is the son of migrant farmworkers. His grandpa, Papá Grande, tells him stories at night normally, but Tomás has learned them all by heart. Papá Grande then tells Tomás to visit the library for more stories. At the library, Tomás meets a kind librarian who helps him discover new worlds through books. This book is about the life of Tomás Riviera.

Critical Analysis

TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY is a strong representation of the Mexican American migrant farmworker experience in a picture book. The depiction of the family's work, travel, language, and relationships is the center of the story. From traveling to Iowa from Texas, this story shows readers what migrant labor does to a family and the sacrifices they must make.

Family is the strongest cultural piece of this book. Tomás' relationship with his grandpa shows the importance the culture gives to elders as well as listening to the stories that are passed down by them. The stories his grandpa tells him are not just for entertainment, they are generational.

The Spanish language is used throughout this book as well. Specifying Tomás and not translating it to Thomas is such a great way to show truth to language and the culture. Personally, I have known many of my relatives switch their names for the comfort of English speakers. From Guadalupe to Mary, Rafael to Ralph, or Jorge to George. The list goes on. Also, the switching from English to Spanish is a great way to show how many Hispanic and Latino children move between the languages.

The author, Pat Mora, is Mexican American from El Paso, Texas. This brings cultural authenticity to the book. Raúl Colón’s illustrations pair with the story well. The warm colors and soft texture beautifully show the land, the heat, and the long days of farm work. The illustrations between home, the fields, and the library help distinguish the physical world to the imaginative world Tomás finds in books. 

Overall, this story is an amazing representation of the Hispanic/Latino American culture. It represents migrant culture, family, and more. Honoring Tomás Riviera's life in this story also provides students an example of a great success story.

Review Excerpts

"A charming, true story about the encounter between the boy who would become chancellor at the University of California at Riverside and a librarian in Iowa." Kirkus, starred review.

"This inspiring story is based on the true life of Tomás Rivera, a migrant farm worker who became a writer, professor, and university administrator." Children's Literature, starred review.

Connections

This book would work well in a biography study or about libraries. This would also be great to highlight during Hispanic Heritage Month, focusing on Tomás Rivera’s career. Students could discuss how his childhood shaped his career.