Mora, Pat. 1997. Tomás and the Library Lady. Ill. by Raul Colón. New York: Knopf.
ISBN 0-679-80401-3
This is the story of a young boy who travels with his family between Texas and Iowa. Tomás likes to spend his time listening to stories his Papa Grande tells in the evenings. One day his grandfather tells him that he is old enough to walk to the library. Tomás is intimidated by the size of the library, but the Library Lady invites him in for a drink of water. She brings him a couple of books for him to read. Tomás spends his entire day in the library. He returns often to enjoy books the Library Lady brings him. At the end of the summer, he returns once more to give the Library Lady a goodbye gift. She, in turn, gives him a book of his own.
Mora's story is a sweet telling of a young boy who loves to read. He comes from a simple family and books and stories are the way Tomás likes to use his imagination. He becomes the storyteller. Even though this is a work of fiction, it is based on a summer from the life of Tomás Rivera. Mora beautifully shows the joy of reading through this tale.
Colón's colorful illustrations are perfectly matched to Mora's story. Even for those who cannot read, this story can be viewed through the illustrations. At the turn of every page, another drawing brings the page to life.
It is also a story that brings a different culture to life. Tomás's family are migrant workers who drive to Iowas very summer to pick vegetables. His Spanish culture is shown through the infusion of Spanish vocabulary within the story.
Awards include:
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
This story is great for an introduction to a new or unfamiliar culture. Spanish words are found throughout the story, adding to the authenticity. Pat Mora has written many books that infuse the Spanish culture. Check out her website about Tomás and see the beautiful poem written about him.
http://www.patmora.com/book_pages/tomas.htm
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