Tomas and the Library Lady

Tomas and the Library Lady
Written by: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Raul Colon

Elementary Grades - Available in English and Spanish

"Tomás and the Library Lady is the story of a Mexican American boy named Tomás during one summer in Iowa and the impact that a kind librarian and a multitude of books had on his life.

The story is even more affecting when we realize it is a fictionalized account of one summer in the life of a real person. An afterword reveals that the story is based on the childhood experiences of Tomás Rivera, a migrant worker whose desire to learn led him to a career as a writer and educator. He died in 1984, while serving as the chancellor of the University of California at Riverside."

Children's Picture Book Review

Awards:
Texas Bluebonnet Master List Title, 1999-2000

Web Resources:
www.patmora.com