In the numerous Facebook posts I’ve read since Tomie DePaola’s death, almost everyone who is mourning mentions Strega Nona. I want to reference two of Tomie’s other books, Oliver Button is a Sissy, and 26 Fairmount Avenue. These two books give us a glimpse at Tomie’s life that books like Strega Nona do not.
Tomie’s life was probably not an easy one. In 26 Fairmount Avenue, he mentions how, at a young age, he loved to dress up as his favorite actress Mae West. Truly that was my first inkling that Tomie was gay. Tomie didn’t come out until late in his life, because he feared that schools would no longer want him to visit and his books would go unsold. Yet he gave us sneak peeks at his life, including in Oliver Button is a Sissy. Oliver doesn’t like doing typical boy things like sports. He prefers art, acting, and dancing. I feel very sure that Oliver is Tomie.
I’m happy we are living in somewhat more accepting times. I know there are still far too many who threaten and bully those who are different in any way. However I am still sometimes surprised at how many people care more about the character of a person than the color of their skin, their religious beliefs (or nonbeliefs), their sexual orientation, etc. Even though it took him many years to openly tell people he was gay, I think Tomie DePaola helped people gain a greater understanding of how little some differences matter. I hope this helps him Rest In Peace. Many thanks, sir, for a life well-lived and for the mountain of literature you leave behind.
Life As I Know It 