Cinco de Mayo

Children's Literature

The title is Spanish for the fifth of May, a holiday in Mexico and parts of the United States. The holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla. The French expected to easily defeat Mexico and then help the South in the U. S. Civil War. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army of 3,000 soldiers met the French army of 6,000 soldiers at Puebla, a town east of Mexico City. The Mexican army asked help from farmers who came with farm tools as weapons. The Mexicans fought to protect their families and their way of life. A storm and a cattle stampede started by the farmers helped the Mexicans win. It gave Mexicans a new understanding of themselves. President Lincoln sent troops to help Mexico defeat the French after the Civil War was over in 1865. The two countries continue to be good neighbors. The fiesta in Puebla includes a parade and a reenactment of the battle. People eat tacos, break pinatas, dance to mariachi bands, and watch fireworks. Colorful woodcut-like pictures illustrate the text throughout. A glossary of Spanish words helps with pronunciation. This is an "On My Own" chapter book in the "Holiday" series. Children will enjoy the account of the battle and better understand our relationship with Mexico. 2005, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group, Ages 7 to 10.
—Carlee Hallman

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-Both of these books are clear and concise, but do not oversimplify the two holidays. Brill explains how Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day and how veterans are honored in the United States. A time line is provided, as is a list of suggestions on how to celebrate the holiday. However, one of the Web sites listed is no longer an active link. Lowery does a good job of describing the background of Cinco de Mayo and how it is celebrated in Mexico and in the United States. A glossary of Spanish words is included. Neither book has an index. Decent general titles where needed.-Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.