When a family of migrant farm workers from Texas stops in Iowa to pick corn, Tomás's grandfather, Papá Grande, suggests that he spend part of each day at the public library because it is filled with stories he can read and then bring back to share with the family at night. While Tomás expects to find good books at the library, he doesn't expect to find a new friend--but he does. From the beginning the librarian welcomes him. She shows him where the water fountain is, suggests books he might enjoy, and helps Tomás feel at home whenever he comes to the library. In return, Tomás teaches her some Spanish phrases and she is able to greet Papá Grande in Spanish when Tomás brings him to the library to meet his new friend. Based on an event that occurred in the childhood of national education leader Dr. Tomás Rivera, Pat Mora brings the story to life through excellent characterization and natural-sounding dialogue. Raul Colón's warm earthtone illustrations give a strong sense of action occurring in the past. Also available in a Spanish-language edition as Tomás y la Señora de la Biblioteca. (Ages 4-7)

A Common Core Exemplar Text by an award-winning author-illustrator team

Tomás is a son of migrant workers. Every summer he and his family follow the crops north from Texas to Iowa, spending long, arduous days in the fields. At night they gather around to hear Grandfather's wonderful stories. But before long, Tomás knows all the stories by heart. "There are more stories in the library,"Papa Grande tells him.  The very next day, Tomás meets the library lady and a whole new world opens up for him. 

Based on the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, a child of migrant workers who went on to become the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system, this inspirational story suggests what libraries--and education--can make possible.  Raul Colón's warm, expressive paintings perfectly interweave the harsh realities of Tomás's life, the joyful imaginings he finds in books, and his special relationships with a wise grandfather and a caring librarian.  

"A gentle text and innovative artwork. . . . While young readers and future librarians will find this an inspiring tale, the end note gives it a real kick: the story is based on an actual migrant worker [Tomás Rivera] who became chancellor of a university--where the library now bears his name."--Publishers Weekly