Librarian on the Roof: 09/30/11

Librarian on the Roof by M.G. King sounds like a silly title, except it's based on a true story. There aren't many nonfiction books for children that cover librarians. King's book recounts the heroic efforts of a single librarian to draw attention and raise well needed funds for her library (and her patrons).

RoseAleta Laurell was newly hired at the Dr. Eugene Clark library in Lockart, Texas and wanted to bring this underused library into the 21st century. When she couldn't get the support she needed she decided to spent time on the roof as a protest to raise money for the children's library.

Stephen Gilpin's exaggerated illustrations bring a sense of humor to this book, making RoseAleta seem larger than life. His drawings are vibrant and cartoony, like something seen in a middle grade graphic novel. They have the same energy that RoseAleta must have had to pull off her protest.

At the back of the book there's a photograph of the real RoseAleta on the roof with a brief explanation of her protest. There's also a summary of the reasons behind writing her story as a children's book.

Four stars.

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