And a final wonderful touch with Tomas and the Library Lady is the fact that when Tomas brings his (probably uni-lingual) grandfather to the library, the Library Lady greets him respectfully in his own language, in Spanish. Both she and Tomas respect each other's traditions, and the Library Lady never assumes that English and/or Anglo-American culture is in any way superior. For her, Spanish is a language, a beautiful language to be learned.

And not only does this show her sensitivities to the possible needs of migrant farm workers (lack of money, that Tomas would likely not have a library card, and that he would also be hot and thirsty after his long walk), the Library Lady also trusts that Tomas will return the books that she has signed out in her own name (and well, a less sympathetic and sensitive person might well have had negative attitudes towards migrant farm workers and Latinos/Latinas in general, so this part of the story, Tomas and the Library Lady really touched me, and also continues to touch me).Īnd the Library Lady also shows interest in Tomas' mother tongue, asking Tomas to teach her some Spanish words. So yes, the first time Tomas arrives at the library, the Library Lady gives him a cool glass of water to drink, and she actually signs out the library books for him in her own name.

For she not only inspires his love of books, she is very much aware of potential problems and requirements that might be encountered. I think what I appreciate most about Pat Mora's biographical Tomas and the Library Lady is how sensitive, caring and culturally aware the so called Library Lady is towards young Tomas.

Tomas and the library lady book