Che Guevara

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up—Guevara was, and is, an iconic figure of revolutionary movements everywhere. His passion for economic justice was legendary, and his determination to fight capitalism was unwavering. This biography, with a focus on how Guevara grew into his revolutionary ideals, describes a middle-class, educated upbringing that allowed, and encouraged, young Che to explore all avenues, eventually leading to a degree in medicine. Eschewing life as a doctor, he traveled in Latin America, where his encounters with peasants helped form his ideology. In Guatemala he met Fidel Castro, and together they led a bloody, and ultimately successful, revolution against a brutal dictator in Cuba, cementing a global reputation as a hero to some, and an enemy of businesses and capitalism in the United States and its allies. The narrative is accessible and compelling, and a solid introduction to the life and times of Guevara, providing both detail and context to a complicated, thoughtful man. Black-and-white photographs offer a good visual supplement and help explain part of the mystique surrounding the handsome, charismatic Guevara. Extensive back matter, including a Who's Who section and a summarizing time line, will be especially helpful to researchers. A solid choice for any library.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Kirkus Reviews

How did a wealthy, asthmatic boy from Argentina grow up to become a famous Communist revolutionary? Ernesto "Che" Guevara Lynch Jr. was born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 14, 1928, the son of well-to-do parents who were members of Argentina's upper classes. The Guevara home was filled with books, and Ernesto grew up reading philosophy, poetry, politics and history. Though a good student, he tired of school and set off on travels that opened his eyes to the grinding poverty throughout South America and to the corrupting influences of the United States–based Anaconda Copper Mining Company, the United Fruit Company, the CIA and the American government itself. U.S.-backed bombing raids in Guatemala in 1954 further radicalized Guevara, and he soon became involved in the Cuban revolution. Fidel Castro made Guevara an honorary Cuban citizen and put him in charge of the Cuban economy and the training of the armed forces. In 1962, Guevara invited the Soviets to build military bases in Cuba, precipitating the Cuban missile crisis. Through its focus on one major figure, Kallen's fascinating work explores a large segment of 20th-century history. Maps, photographs and sidebars are excellent, though the defining of key terms in the middle of sentences is distracting and, moreover, unnecessary since a glossary is provided. A fine introduction to Latin American history and the ideas of capitalism, socialism and communism. (timeline, who's who, source notes, bibliography, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 11-18)