Tomas and the Library Lady
Written By Pat Mora
Illustrated by Raul Colon
Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 1997
Summary:
Tomas and his family are moving locations frequently because his family members are migrant workers. One summer they find themselves in Iowa. In an attemt to avoid the heat of the summer, Tomas heads to the library on the reccomendation of his grandfather. There he becomes well aquainted with the library and more importantly, the librarian. As his relationship with the librarian grows into a friendship, his love for books grows as well. Tomas experiences how reading can take him to places he had never known but will now never forget.
Reccomendations for Parents:
Tomas and the Library Lady opens doors to a unique lifestyle, which will surely open the lines of communication about socio-economic status and culture. Equally important are the illustrations which have a life of their own helping to contextualize each page.
Reccomendations for Teachers:
This book has the potential to evoke a number of questions. Perhaps, questions in regards to migrant workers, different friendships (much like the friendship between Tomas and the library lady), and maybe even socio-economic status questions. It is a beautifully written story that brings to light socio-economic differences in a very delicate and unique manner while telling the story of a boy who discovers the wonders of reading.
Personal Note:
This book serves as a great addition to a classroom library because it crosses cultural borders, this is very important to me. I feel that each child should be represented in the classroom literature and Tomas and the Library Lady allows some children to relate and others to encounter a different way of life.
Say Hola to Spanish
Written By Susan Middleton Elva
Illustrated By Loretta Lopez
Published by Lee & Law, 1996
Summary:
This is a wonderful rhyming non-fiction book that explores the Spanish language. It innovatively rhymes Spanish and English in surprisingly straight forward English sentences.
Reccomendations for Parents:
Say Hola to Spanish is a fun way to learn some basic Spanish words. The sunny illustrations help to emphasize the definition of the words. The book also comes with a glossary of how to pronoune the words which serves to be useful for parents and children.
Reccomendations for Teachers:
This book will surely keep students captivated. It is cleverly written and easily understood. The children will appreciate the challenge of learning a new language and how it is being presented to them. The illustrations and glossary are wonderful tools to further enhance the defintions of the newly discovered Spanish words.
Personal Note:
After reading this book I couldn't help but smile; the Spanish vocabulary is presented in such a light-hearted and fun way, you can't help but just adore it. Say Hola to Spanish will definately serve as a book that is different from many that they have read before.