Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
Life-Changing Librarians in Children's Books

21 Life-Changing Librarians in Children’s Books 

Posted on October 5, 2011May 29, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

UPDATE: It seems that our beloved librarians are under siege due to draconian budget cuts in California. Why do we need librarians? There is a great article here from The Los Angeles Times. [excerpt: “To get them off the payroll, the district is arguing that librarians don’t teach and thus don’t qualify for the seniority protections given to teachers.”]

If your school librarian is in danger of being cut, I would advise strength in numbers and advocacy. Rally other parents and make a big stink. Do your research and present your case. You’d be surprised how a group of fired-up parents can change the world!

—————————–

Librarians are amazing people and it’s time they are recognized for their superhero qualities:   an encyclopedic knowledge of everything, the ability to open doors to new worlds, cultures, and civilizations, and finally the keeper of a safe and inclusive sanctuary.  In this way, librarians change lives and make the world a better place.  Hooray for librarians… the unsung heroes of our communities!  These superhero librarians are featured on the Top 10 list of live-in books, but yours is at your local library! Please help me update my list with your favorite books!

 

21 Life-Changing Librarians in Children’s Books

10. Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora, illustrated by Raul Colon

Tomas’ parents are itinerant farm workers and while he is eager to go to the library, he is intimidated.  But the library lady is kind; she gives Tomas a drink of cool water, books on dinosaurs and tigers, and even lets him take out books using her library card.  He returns day after day and she gets him to teach her Spanish.  When he leaves to return home, the library lady has a gift for him, a shiny new book.  This is the true story of Tomas Rivera, who went on to become the chancellor of the University of California, Riverside…all because of this kind, unnamed library lady in Iowa many, many years ago. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

9. Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola’s weekly trip to the library is the thing she most likes to do.  Not only is it a special time with her mommy, but she loves all the special things at the library from sing-alongs to storytime to choosing out books.  [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn

8. Library Lil by Suzanne Williams, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Library Lil loves books but can she get the townsfolks of Chesterville to shut off the TV?  A storm that shuts down the electricity gives Library Lil a chance to get everyone reading, but just as she is making progress, Bust-Em-Up Bill and his gang roar into town and it’s well known that he hates books.  What will Library Lil do? [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Library Lil by Suzanne Williams

7. Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book by Alexander Stadler

Beverly Billingsly goes to the library every Tuesday but this week is special because she is able to get her own library card.  She loves her book, Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period, so much that she accidentally forgets to return it on time.  Beverly gets pretty worried about it, so much so that her stomach is in a knot and she can’t eat chocolate cake.  But the librarian, Ms. Del Rubio, is so nice; no overdue fees for just two days!  She introduces Beverly to a new kid who is in her grade who also loves Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period. And that is how the Piedmont Dinosaur Club began…all due to a superhero librarian who knows who likes what books and is in what grade at what school!  Whew! [picture book, ages 3 and up]

Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book by Alexander Stadler

6. The Mysterious Tadpole by Steven Kellogg

Miss Seevers, the librarian, helps Louis with his pet troubles.  She figures out that Alphonse, his pet, is a Loch Ness Monster.  She has a great idea for raising money so that Louis can buy the parking lot next to his apartment building to build a pool for Alphonse to live in.  Who but a librarian would know about an ancient shipwreck filled with treasure AND that Alphonse would be capable of retrieving it?  Only a superhero librarian!  And might I add that Miss Seevers was not even working at the library when she did all this!  This was all on her own time!  Superhero stuff!!!  [picture book, ages 3 and up]

5. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Sam Gribley wants to live off the land on the old Gribley homestead that hasn’t been farmed for a hundred years.  The trouble is, he can’t locate it.  Miss Turner, the librarian, opens the library early to help him.  She not only locates it for him (superhero detection skills) but she’s the first one who believes him.  Wisely, she also suggests books on edible plants and animals.  Like librarians in the real world who provide part of the safety net in a community to ensure that children don’t fall through the cracks, Miss Turner is the one person who lives in a civilization that Sam can count on and turn to. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

4. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, allows a lion to enjoy the library because he’s following the rules;  he’s not running or making a lot of noise.  Not everyone is so tolerant of the lion in the library.  But one day, when the lion breaks the rules to help Miss Merriweather when she’s in trouble, she makes a new rule:  it’s ok to break the rules to help someone.  [picture book, ages 3 and up]

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

3. Wild About Books by Judy Sierra and Marc Brown

Molly McGrew can get anyone reading, even the animals at the zoo.  A loving homage to Dr. Seuss by two great children’s authors, Judy Sierra and Marc Brown.  [picture book, ages 2 and up]

2. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

When Miss Franny Block was a little girl, she wanted a library for her birthday and that is how the Herman W. Block Memorial Library came to be.  But Miss Franny doesn’t just connect kids with great books, she’s created a little sanctuary.  With her kind heart and riveting tales of her past, she is able to take two lonely and grieving little girls and connect them such that their new friendship will help to heal them both.  A Newbury Honor book and truly one of the best books I’ve ever read in my life.  [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

1. The All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor

Miss Allen is the nicest librarian in the world.  When Sarah loses her book and has to pay for it, Miss Allen lets her have an installment plan because she knows that the cost of a book is a lot of money for Sarah and her family.  One good turn deserves another, and who would ever guess what the sisters end up doing, unknowingly,  for Miss Allen?  They say that with karma, a good deed gets paid back ten-fold and this is certainly the case.  [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Life-Changing Librarians in Children’s Books Honorable Mentions

The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

Not long ago in Afghanistan, girls were not allowed to learn how to read. Today is Pari’s first day as her mother’s library helper, a library bus that visits a village, and a refugee camp in Kabul. Her mother not only loans out books but also teaches the girls the alphabet. Pari wants to learn to read too, and she is lucky. She will get the opportunity to go to a real school in the city. This book celebrates the brave and resourceful female teachers who make it possible for girls to learn despite many barriers. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman

Dear Librarian by Lydia M. Sigwarth, illustrated by Romina Galotta

“Every day, you gave me a hug.

Every day, you made me feel safe and happy.

Those days, the Library was like a home. My own special home. (Even though it wasn’t a house.)”

This is the true story of Lydia M. Sigwarth and the time when she and her family lived at various relatives’ houses. This was a stressful time for Lydia but the library became her sanctuary. It was because of a very special children’s librarian who made her feel welcome. This life-changing librarian inspired Lydia to become a librarian herself and create Library Homes for others. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Dear Librarian by Lydia M. Sigwarth

Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair by Patricia Polacco

A cautionary but fun tale about the town of Triple Creek where they are so wired on TV that they forget to read;  not just to read books but actually how to read. Aunt Chip comes to the rescue and pulls the plug on the town dam which is built out of books.

Thank you to reader Miss Rachel SF for this great suggestion!

Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair by Patricia Polacco

The Library by Sarah Stewart

Thank you to the person who told me about The Library on Twitter. I’m sorry but I failed to save that tweet but you know who you are. Because we loved The Gardener so much by Sarah Stewart, I rushed out and bought The Library. Mary Elizabeth Brown is the real-life person who inspired this story.  A bookworm her whole life, Elizabeth Brown, in this rhyming story, reads all day and night, as a child and then into adulthood. As she grows older, her house becomes so full of books that she donates it and all her books to a town library!

The Library by Sarah Stewart

Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra

There is a great interview with Monica Brown at one of my favorite blogs, PaperTigers.

Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown

Biblioburro: A True Story from Columbia by Jeanette Winter

I also learned about this book through PaperTigers.

 

Biblioburro: A True Story from Columbia by Jeanette Winter

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter

Alia Muhammad Baker is the librarian of Basra, Iraq, where all who love books come to gather and talk. But now in 2003, the talk is of war and bombings. Alia is worried that the books in her library might be destroyed by fires of war so she asks permission to move them but she is denied. Alia takes matters into her own hands and moves some of the precious books to safer quarters. As war approaches, she gets her neighbors to help save the books in a human brigade moving them over a seven-foot wall. It’s just in time too because nine days later, a fire burns the library to the ground.  She has saved thirty thousand books! And until a new library can be built, they are safe … in her house stuffed to the gills with books and in the homes of her friends. [picture book, ages 6 and up]

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter

The Storyteller’s Candle by Lucia Gonzalez and Lulu Delacre

Thank you to PaperTigers.org for this suggestion.

The Storyteller's Candle by Lucia Gonzalez and Lulu Delacre

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Susan Condi Lamb

The Fourth Musketeer turned me on to this book about a wonderful librarian who started a library because there was none in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She highly recommends this nonfiction historical fiction book! [picture book, ages 6 and up]

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

I love this book. It’s about a librarian who follows her dreams and her heart to make a difference. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

When the Babies Came to Stay by Christine McDonnell, illustrated by Jeanette Bradley

Four babies arrived by separate means on a small island. No one knows what to do except for the librarian. She decides to raise them herself. The locals pitch in by teaching the kids the ways of the sea, but it’s the librarian who makes them into a family. The pastel-hued illustrations have a soft pastel finish and mirror this sweet and whimsical story about how a warm-hearted person can make a difference. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

When the Babies Came to Stay

 

children's books with librarians who make a difference, librarians as superheroes, kids books with life changing librarians

p.s. Related posts:

Best Books for Middle Schoolers: From Our Wonderful Middle School Librarian!

Top 10 Diverse Superhero Books

Top 10: Spy and Superhero Chapter Books for Kids

Holiday Gift for Kids Who Like Office Supplies: Little Librarian

 

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

10 thoughts on “21 Life-Changing Librarians in Children’s Books ”

  1. Marjorie (PaperTigers) says:
    October 11, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Thank you for the great shout out. I have been meaning to get hold of Because of Winn-Dixie and you have absolutely convinced me!

    Here’s another lovely book for your list too – The Storyteller’s Candle – http://www.papertigers.org/reviews/USA/papertigers/TheStorytellersCandle.html And as well as Monica’s article, I don’t know if you saw Abigail’s on children’s books about travelling libraries around the world (including Biblioburro),,, http://www.papertigers.org/personalViews/archiveViews/ASawyer.html

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 15, 2011 at 9:06 am

      To Marjorie (of PaperTigers.org),
      Great suggestions! Thank you. I will be adding them to the list!

      Reply
  2. Audrey Nay says:
    August 1, 2012 at 11:37 pm

    Love this list! Great idea
    Do you mind if I use it ( with credit) and get additional books fromm TL friends!!
    I also love Pru Theroux the cool librarian.
    Cheers Audrey
    @sandynay. Twitter ID

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      August 2, 2012 at 6:59 am

      Hi Audrey,
      No problem at all! I’m so glad you liked the list!

      Reply
  3. missrachelsf says:
    August 5, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek dam Affair by Patricia Polacco would make a great addition to that list

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      August 6, 2012 at 7:56 am

      Hi Miss Rachel SF,
      Thanks so much for that great book recommendation. I added it to the list.

      Reply
  4. Dawid says:
    September 29, 2012 at 4:20 am

    There are so many summer readnig programs out there with incentives. Barnes and Noble, Borders, as well as many local libraries offer free books and other “prizes” when children read a certain number of books. A great way to encourage something many homeschooled kids do naturally – read!

    Reply
  5. Kirsten says:
    April 21, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    What a wonderful, wonderful list! We love Miss Rumphius and The Library, but have yet to read the others. We will look for them when our library re-opens after renovations! Librarians are so underrated (school librarians, especially). Some of my best school memories are from my time in libraries!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      April 22, 2014 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Kirsten,
      Thank you so much! I love librarians too! They know everything and how to find anything and they are so good about not judging when you ask them questions. So glad you liked the book list!

      Reply
  6. Librarian24 says:
    December 2, 2014 at 11:04 am

    Miss Brooks Loves Books by Barbara Bottner is a great book featuring a librarian. I love it.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • My Daughter’s Start Up SWARM wins $100k from VentureCat! June 20, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025! June 18, 2025
  • Cover Reveal for Fight for the Right to Read June 16, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025! June 13, 2025
  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT