Sharlee Mullins Glenn

A beautifully illustrated biography of Ms. Titcomb, the librarian who invented the bookmobile. This book would have an A+ rating due to its extensive bibliography, notes, index and photo credits but for one thing. The cover shows a picture of the bookmobile for the North Carolina Library Commission, but Mary Titcomb never worked there. Her entire bookmobile career was in the Hagerstown Maryland area. Given that there were extensive photos of that area's vehicles in the book, it would have show more been very easy, and indeed a better plan, to use one of those photos. It was misleading. Otherwise the book is perfect and very interesting. I particularly liked the photos of the rural residents choosing their reading material, stocking up because the library on wheels only came around three times a year. show less

This is a heartwarming story of family and friendship. Five-year-old Gracie is best friends with her Aunt Roo who is mentally challenged. They did all sorts of activities together, but their favorite was playing “school.” As Gracie got older and attended real school, she began to play with Roo less and became embarrassed by her. In the end, she realizes that Roo has been a teacher to her in learning acceptance, empathy, and unconditional love.
I used to belong to a program in high school show more that helped children with autism and other cognitive/mental disabilities. Being a part of this club helped me better understand Roo and Gracie both. Roo is portrayed in such an honest way regarding her child-like innocence and mind. When Gracie feels guilt for how she was acting, she corrects her actions. This is an important part of growing up and navigating the rights and wrongs of life, which makes Gracie such an authentic character. I love that rather than focusing on the effects of being mentally challenged, the author highlights the relationship between Roo and Gracie. This would be a great book for a child who has a sibling or family member with a mental disability to relate to. This is a short yet touching coming-of-age story about love and acceptance. show less

How interesting! This charming book conveys a great deal of information about the country's first bookmobile and the remarkable librarian who made it possible. Clear and informative—but never condescending—this book can be enjoyed by youth and adults alike. The many photographs included add to the enjoyment.

Mary Lemist Titcomb was an extraordinary woman who pursued her dreams and never gave up. She became a librarian to enlighten others with the joy of reading, and when the rural folk could not get to library, she went to them. She designed the first bookmobile in the United States, pulled by horses. This book, written for children, is nevertheless a delight for young and old alike. Filled with wonderful pictures of bookmobiles that illustrate the development of the vehicles through the years, show more it tells the story of Miss Titcomb, and her courage to strive for what she believed. The book is well written, easily understood by young children, and quite informative. show less