Tomas and the Library Lady

Review of Tomàs and The Library Lady

A book written by Pat Mora

A. Book Information

Mora, Pat. Illus. by Colon, Raul. 1997. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. ISBN 0-679-80401-3.

B. Plot Summary

Tomàs is a young, presumably Mexican American boy who is the son of a family of migrant workers who travel from Texas to Iowa each year to work on farms. Tomàs works beside his family in the fields performing such chores as bringing water to the thirsty workers. In his spare time, Tomàs loves to play games with the makeshift ball his mother crafted from an old teddy bear, and listen to his Papà Grande tell stories. One day, Tomàs’ grandfather encourages him to find more stories in the library. The very next day, Tomàs heads up the intimidating steps of the library and is soon greeted by a cheerful librarian who helps him to find books that he loves and becomes engrossed in.

This story seems saccharin sweet until the last page when the reader discovers that this is the true story of Tomàs Riviera, who began his life as a migrant worker and later became a writer, professor, and a University Chancellor at University of California Riverside, and was indeed encouraged to read by a nice library lady.

C. Critical Analysis

If first reading this book without background knowledge of the story, one may think that this is, unfortunately one of the stereotypical books that depicts the poor, brown latino boy being saved by the nice, white (library) lady who shows the migrant farm boy the world of books. However, as it turns out, this book is based on the true story of Tomàs Riviera, who did indeed happen upon a nice library lady in Iowa who encouraged him to read. Mr. Riviera later became very successful and now has a library named after him.

This book is culturally authentic on all accounts, thanks to the true story it is based on, and the insider views of the author and illustrator who have done a wonderful job interpreting the story for all to enjoy.

The Spanish language is interwoven through out the story in a way that is unobtrusive to the flow of the story. For example, as Tomàs is climbing up the steps to the library, “He counted them to himself in Spanish. Uno, dos, tres, cuatro… His mouth felt full of cotton.” This is a nice inclusion of the main character’s primary language, and has a natural feel.

The family unit is very important in this story, with Mamà, Papà, Papà Grande, and little brother Enrique all working, laughing, and living together. The family likes to tell stories and enjoy time together, which seems to be important in the Mexican American family, and is well-depicted by Pat Mora.

Raul Colon has made the character of Tomàs Riviera accessible to all children with his beautiful illustrations. Tomàs is shown with a skin tone of olive-tan, with a sparkle in his eyes and smile that children of all backgrounds can love and relate to. The grandfather looks more traditional Mexican, with his full white mustache, and humble expressions. A delightful aspect of this book is the illustrations which show Tomàs transported into his imaginary world via books, with dinosaurs and a “tigre tan grande!”

Tomàs and The Library Lady is a book that all children should have the pleasure of experiencing. Children who are Mexican American may especially enjoy it, but it is a book for everyone with a story we can all relate to.

D. Review Excerpts

Amazon.com
Sometimes you read a story and it almost seems too nice. This book may seem to be one of those at first, but the difference is that this story is true! Tomás and the Library Lady is the wonderfully illustrated tale of Tomás Rivera and the kind librarian who helped him learn to love books. Tomás started his life as a migrant worker and, when he died, was a university chancellor. (The UC Riverside library now bears his name.) This tribute to Tomás and his mentor reminds us of the power of stories and those dedicated librarians who have changed the lives of so many people. (Recommended for ages 4-8; it's great for new English readers and is also available in Spanish.)

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?Tomas Rivera, who at his death in 1984 was the Chancellor of the University of California at Riverside, grew up in a migrant family. Here, Mora tells the fictionalized story of one summer in his childhood during which his love of books and reading is fostered by a librarian in Iowa, who takes him under her wing while his family works the harvest. She introduces him to stories about dinosaurs, horses, and American Indians and allows him to take books home where he shares them with his parents, grandfather, and brother. When it is time for the family to return to Texas, she gives Tomas the greatest gift of all?a book of his own to keep. Colon's earthy, sun-warmed colors, textured with swirling lines, add life to this biographical fragment and help portray Tomas's reading adventures in appealing ways. Stack this up with Sarah Stewart and David Small's The Library (Farrar, 1995) and Suzanne Williams and Steven Kellogg's Library Lil (Dial, 1997) to demonstrate the impact librarians can have on youngsters.?Barbara Elleman, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

Reviews accessed at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tomas-Library-Lady-Dragonfly-Books/dp/0375803491/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-2505980-4044920?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183242083&sr=8-1

E. Connections

Other books for young people by Pat Mora.

· Pablo’s Tree. ISBN 0027674010

· Dona Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart. ISBN 0375823379

· Listen to the Desert/Oye Al Desierto. ISBN 0618111441

· A Birthday Basket For Tia. ISBN 0689813287