Broken Shields

Children's Literature - Gisela Jernigan

In this simple, dramatic first person account we hear and see how the Spanish, led by Cortes, first met, were welcomed by, fought, and finally defeated the Aztecs in Tenochtitlan (Mexico City). This tragic account is based on the historian Sahagun's conversations with Mexicans present at the time, and the striking illustrations come from another history by Duran, and were probably painted by native artists. Although the resulting picture book is very worthwhile and powerful, the graphic violence and mature content would make it more suitable for older readers. A source note and glossary are included. 1997 (orig.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8This unusual book relates the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, using centuries old words and illustrations. The text is adapted from Friar de Sahagn's 16th-century history of New Spain. In simple, elegant language, it tells how the Spaniards appeared one year "where the sky joins the sea." The straightforward narrative, derived from accounts of Aztec witnesses, has a subtly lamenting tone, effectively set off by blunt descriptions of tragic events. The illustrations are drawn from another historical volume, presumably painted by natives, and inventively adapted for this book. One key figure or object in each painting is moved off to the side, leaving a blank white silhouette where it was originally placed. This technique accentuates certain images and adds to the striking drama of the events. Despite the brevity of the text, the words are clear enough to convey the general progression of events. Still, readers who are already familiar with the history will benefit most from this book. Sally Mathews's The Sad Night (Clarion, 1994), also in a picture-book format, offers more historical background, while Broken Shields conveys the firsthand immediacy of the events more emotionally. Thus, this new title complements the older one and makes a valuable, uniquely insightful resource for anyone studying the Aztecs or New World exploration.Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library, OR