On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein, by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky -- Day 54

Albert Einstein said hardly a word when he was a very little boy. One day when his father showed him a compass, Albert was mesmerized. “Suddenly he knew there were mysteries in the world – hidden and silent, unknown and unseen.” When riding his bicycle he observed rays of sunlight coming toward him and wondered what it would be like actually to travel on that beam of light. He gained a reputation at school for being different; he didn’t talk very much and he thought in different ways from most children. These experiences marked the beginnings of Einstein’s relentless curiosity and mind-bending journey as a scientist – indeed, a true genius – who would transform our way of understanding the universe. On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne does a remarkable job of introducing Einstein’s way of thinking to young readers, and Vladimir Radunsky’s spare, textured watercolors bring light, energy, numbers, atoms and Einstein’s mind and persona into focus. Einstein asked new questions and found new answers, continuing to dream and write throughout his life. Berne reminds readers that many big questions still remain for scientists now, questions that might be answered by today’s young readers. Endnotes mention the way of imagining events in time and space that Einstein called his “thought experiments” as well as his views as a pacifist involved in harnessing atomic power. Readers can explore further resources to learn about Einstein’s decision to leave Germany in 1933, becoming an American citizen, and his work to ensure that other German Jewish scientists would gain safety outside of Germany. Ages 6-9.

Tomás and the Library Lady, by Pat Mora, illustrated by Raul Colón -- Day 53

As migrant workers, Tomás and his family follow the harvests from Texas to Iowa each summer. Their long days are filled with dry, hot work; their evenings are cheered by Papá Grande’s storytelling. One day, when Tomás already seems to know all of his grandfather’s stories, Papá Grande encourages Tomás to walk downtown to the public library. Uncertain about entering the huge building, Tomás is invited through the door by a lady who shows him a drinking fountain, a chair to sit in and books to look through. She even lets him take books home to share with his family, having signed them out to herself. Tomás visits the library all summer, reading good books (so many fascinating books!) and even teaching the library lady some words in Spanish. When it’s time to return to Texas, Tomás must say adiós to the library and the wonderful, welcoming librarian. He and his grandfather take her some pan dulce in thanks, and in return she gives Tomás a hug and a new book to keep. An endnote tells us this story was inspired by the life of Texas-born Tomás Rivera, a migrant worker who, encouraged to read by a librarian in Iowa, valued education and became a professor, then chancellor, at the University of California at Riverside where the library now carries his name. Raul Colón's artwork accords perfectly with author Pat Mora’s inspiring Tomás and the Library Lady, together expressing just what libraries make possible. Ages 4-8.

Diana’s White House Garden, by Elisa Carbone, illustrated by Jen Hill -- Day 52

Based on a true story, Diana’s White House Garden is an engaging look at the homefront during the stressful days of World War II. Diana was the daughter of Harry Hopkins, chief advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt from 1940 to 1943. As the only child living in the White House, Diana occasionally got into some mischief. Well, the president himself had an idea: help us plant a Victory Garden! With the decision to commit much of America’s transportation and other resources to the war effort, families across the nation were encouraged to grow their own food to supplement their rations. The White House led with its own Victory Garden, and Diana began one on the south lawn under the guidance of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Indeed, Diana became a poster child of sorts for this worthy and important project, featured in magazines and newspapers across the country. Springing up in yards and vacant lots everywhere, Victory Gardens were a great success and a truly valuable way for citizens to support themselves and the war effort. As part of her research for this book, author Elisa Carbone interviewed Diana Hopkins Halsted. Her fond memories of days in the White House included playing with Fala, the Roosevelts’ terrier, and certainly the garden. Jen Hill’s descriptive illustrations (which capture well the feel of the era and the venue) are an inviting complement to this upbeat story. Ages 5-8.