Latin America & Caribbean - Peoples & Places, General & Miscellaneous Holidays, North American People, Multicultural & International Holidays, Hispanic Americans/Latino Studies

Cinco de Mayo

Name: Cinco de Mayo
Author: Aurora Colon Garcia
ISBN: 9781403436863

by Aurora Colon Garcia

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Overview

It's the fifth day in May and you may see a parade or hear a Marachi band playing. But do you know why? It's Cinco de Mayo, of course!

Discusses the holiday Cinco de Mayo, celebrated by Mexicans and Mexican Americans in remembrance of the Mexican army's defeat of the French army in Pubela, Mexico, in 1862.

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Editorials

Children's Literature

The straightforward text with many colorful illustrations introduces readers to this Mexican and now Mexican-American holiday. On May 5th Mexicans celebrate their pride in their country, heritage. and freedom. This book points out that the Mexicans, once free from Spain, were not really a united country and they ended up in a war with the United States. They also owed money to many countries including France. Napoleon III wanted his payment and he wanted to control Mexico. A war began and General Zaragonza and his army stopped the French at Puebla. The Mexicans won that day against very great odds. There is even a picture of a modern reenactment of the battle of Puebla. At the end of the book is a glossary, index and a list of three more books to read. While this book appears to be very simple, it actually provides a better understanding of the political situation than many of the others about Cinco de Mayo that are aimed at young readers. It is a good choice for a library and can be supplemented with one or more of the other books about the holiday to get a fuller picture. 2003, Heineman Library, Ages 6 to 9.
—Marilyn Courtot

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Two welcome series entries, each of which focuses on the history behind the holiday rather than the customs associated with it. Cinco de Mayo originated in Mexico and celebrates the winning in 1862 of an important battle against the French army. Juneteenth, which began in Texas, commemorates the end of African-American slavery. The meaning of each celebration is explained in basic, understandable language, providing a perfect lead-in to further classroom discussion. A lively combination of short chapters, bold text, vivid color photographs, and historical drawings and photos makes for attractive packages that will certainly hold the attention of young readers. Sarah Vasquez's Cinco de Mayo (Raintree, 1999) concentrates more on customs and Lola M. Schaefer's Cinco de Mayo (Pebble Bks., 2000) is very simple and written for beginning readers. Muriel Miller Branch's Juneteenth: Freedom Day (Cobblehill, 1998; o.p.) covers similar topics but is not as lively.-Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.