The Conquest of Mexico

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-These authors seem to be attempting something difficult to achieve: a straightforward retelling of events without being judgmental. For example, they don't describe Spanish exploration as invasion, and atrocities such as enslavement, forced religious conversions, and theft of wealth and riches are mentioned with little or no editorial comment. The books focus on the personalities of the times, Francisco Pizarro and his quarrels with other Spaniards in his party, Montezuma and Hern n Cortes and their strange relationship, and Alvar Na-ez Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco de Coronado and their adventures. La Malinche is mentioned briefly, but her pivotal role in the conquest is largely ignored. Many pictures, maps, drawings, and photos are used, but the only sources credited are the museum or archive holding those items. The format seems aimed at short attention spans, with sidebars and captions interrupting the text on almost every page. Sometimes these extras give fresh information, though often they restate material that appears in the main texts. In appearance, these books are reminiscent of easy-reading magazines.-Ruth Semrau, Upshur County Public Library, Gilmer, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.