Tomás loves stories. As the young son of migrant farm workers, he spends the summer with his family following the crops north from Texas to Iowa, passing long days in the fields listening to his grandfather, Papa Grande, tell stories. When a chance encounter brings him to the local library, he meets the “Library Lady” who recognizes his thirst for knowledge and encourages him to read. His delight in books is equaled by his pride in teaching Spanish to the Library Lady, trading knowledge and respect between generations and cultures.

cover image of the book, Tomas and LIbrary Lady

This bilingual musical is based on the beloved book about the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, who became the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system. Filled with inspiration and beauty, it shows how reading, education, and a dash of empowerment can make anything possible.

Showtime: 1 hr

Ages: Grades K-5

Tickets:

$8/ticket, whether student or teacher/chaperone
For school groups only, including homeschool groups

Curriculum Connections:

Reading:
- Phonics, decoding, the process of learning how to read, the power of literacy
Fine Arts:
- theatre, storytelling, adapting an artistic work from page to stage
21st Century Skills:
- perseverance, empowerment, overcoming obstacles, intergenerational connections, communication, curiosity, leadership
Social Studies and History:
- immigrant experiences in the U.S., comparing diverse cultures
World and Native Languages:
- communicating in Spanish, comparing practices and perspectives across cultures, learning new languages