Pat Mora Books

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

A multi-generational story that follows young Pablo on his birthday as he anticipates seeing how his abuelito (grandfather) has decorated a tree planted on the day Pablo was adopted.Each year on his birthday, a young Mexican American boy looks forward to seeing how his grandfather has decorated the tree he planted on the day the boy was adopted. A charming story about a sweet tradition a boy and his grandfather share, “Lang's clever cut-paper collages fill each page like a photo album with picture after picture of a family history that sparkles with love and a sense of belonging” ( Booklist ).

The collection features poems that capture the essence of a young child's development and daily adventures as they navigate the changing seasons. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, the author celebrates the beauty of childhood and the simple joys found in nature and everyday life. Each poem reflects the wonder and curiosity of youth, making it a poignant tribute to the growth and experiences that shape a child's world.