Uncle Sam in Nicaragua

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up As indicated by the title, this is not just another book about Nicaragua but about U.S. involvement there, both historically and presently. The interest of the U.S. government in Nicaragua has ranged from intense, when it seemed the best place to build a trans-isthmus canal, to almost complete disregard, after people tired of hearing about constant Central American revolutions. In any case, it is obvious that the situation in Nicaragua today would be quite different had it not been for U.S. involvement. Rather than give a rote recital of dry historical facts and incidents, Tessendorf has researched many interesting personages in Nicaraguan history, distilled the essence of their characters, and presented them here as actors on a stage against the backdrop of history. Without taking sides in the present debate of support to the Contras, he has laid the background as to how the U.S. got involved and stayed involved in this small nation. The writing is crisp and lively. Dennis C. Tucker, Bethel College, Mishawaka, Ind .