The Mexican War of Independence

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-The focus of this volume is the long-standing Mexican struggle for independence, set against a sharply delineated historical background with its characteristic social, political, and philosophical ideology. Military and political leaders central to the movement, such as Hidalgo, Allende, and Santa Anna, are highlighted in every chapter. The editors' scholarship and research is evident in the chapter notes, further reading, and extensive annotative list of works consulted. Frequent black-and-white photos and reproductions, including maps, enhance the text. Important quotes from primary and secondary sources are summarized and set apart from the text by attractive frames. These interesting sidebars include discussion of race and class, Indian genocide, other concurrent revolutions, and Iturbide's betrayal. Meant for scholarly research, this well-organized book will require careful, thoughtful reading, and may be difficult for students with no background in the subject.-Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX