Puerto Rico

Children's Literature - Jamaica Johnson Conner

Part of the series "Modern World Nations," this title focuses on the geography, history, and politics of Puerto Rico. Using practical and helpful terminology, and pertinent information about the U.S. Territory, Lopez organized the content into eight color-coded chapters. The first chapter, "Introducing Puerto Rico," provides a nice overview of the territory. The second chapter, "Physical Geography" is divided into subsections including: "The Central Highlands," "Coastal Lowlands," "Mangrove Swamps," "The Karst Country," "Climate," "Hurricanes," "Earthquakes," "Plant and Animal Life," and "Minerals." The third chapter, "Historical Geography," divides the facts into the following categories: "The Spanish Conquest," "Social Classes During the Colonial Area," "Spanish Control of the Territory," "Independence Movements," "Puerto Rico Under the American Flag," "Modernization of the Island," and "Politics During the Last Half of the American Century." "People and Culture," the fourth chapter, includes the subsections: "Native Groups," "The Africans," "Europeans," "The Blending of Three Races," "Language," and "Religion." The fifth chapter, "Political Geography," is divided by the following topics: "U.S. Occupation," "The Birth of the Commonwealth," "Education," "Health," "The Pro-Statehood Movement," and "Political Organization." Chapter six, "Economic Geography," describes the following elements of Puerto Rico: "Agriculture," "Industries," "The Pharmaceutical Industry," "The Construction Industry," and "Service Industries." "Living in Puerto Rico Today," chapter seven, is simply divided into two sections: "The Arts" and "Social Problems." Finally, "Puerto Rico Looks Ahead" effectivelyconcludes the piece. The book also contains additional resources: "Facts at a Glance," "History at a Glance," a further reading section, web sites, and an index. "Facts at a Glance" includes details about the land and the people, the economy, and the government. "History at a Glance" is a time line beginning in 2000 B.C. and ending in 2001 A.D. The organization, significant information, straightforward terminology, and colorful pictures with helpful captions contribute to a useful geography or history book for students and teachers alike.