About This Book
Based on the true story of Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, this heartwarming book follows young Tomás as he travels with his migrant worker family. Far from home and having heard all his grandfather's wonderful stories, Tomás ventures into a public library where a kind librarian introduces him to an endless supply of new tales. The book beautifully portrays the harsh realities of migrant life alongside the transformative power of literacy, empathy, and education. It's an inspirational story about finding belonging, the joy of discovery, and how a love for books can open up a world of possibilities for any child.
Discussion Prompts
1
What kind of stories did Tomás's grandfather tell? Why were they important to Tomás?
2
How did Tomás feel when he first went to the library? What made him feel welcome?
3
What does this story teach us about the power of books and libraries?
4
How did the library lady help Tomás? What qualities made her a good friend to him?
5
Have you ever felt like Tomás, wanting to learn or discover something new? What did you do?
6
What challenges did Tomás and his family face as migrant workers? How did they show resilience?
