Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating the Traditions of Mexico [Hardcover]

Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (Author), Lawrence Migdale (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2008 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Every Cinco de Mayo, Rosa and her family cheer at a parade and enjoy delicious Mexican food. But what exactly is Cinco de Mayo? Although many people think May fifth marks Mexico's independence, the holiday is actually the anniversary of a decisive battle against foreign occupiers. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by many. Follow Rosa, a vivacious Mexican-American girl from California, as she learns about he heritage and celebrates the holiday with her family, friends, and community.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This colorful photo-essay introduces Rosie, whose family celebrates their Mexican-American traditions in California. After discussing Benito Juárez, the history of Cinco de Mayo, and three major waves of immigration from Mexico, Hoyt-Goldsmith presents elements of Rosie’s heritage such as food, language, and mariachi music. Rosie performs a dance during her California community’s Cinco de Mayo festivities, and the book concludes with scenes from a parade that day, followed by a family barbacoa (barbecue) with traditional foods. The clearly written text and the many fine, color photos provide readers with information as well as glimpses of life in Rosie’s community. Small cut-paper silhouettes in solid colors add a distinctive note to the festive-looking pages. A glossary of Spanish words and a map of Mexico are appended. A reader-friendly introduction to the holiday. Grades 3-5. --Carolyn Phelan

Review

"It is the masterful blend of information with universal family moments that makes this title such a welcome addition." (School Library Journal )

"A reader-friendly introduction to the holiday." (Booklist )

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 30 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (March 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823421074
• ISBN-13: 978-0823421077
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,154,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a nice, casual family-oriented book about Mexican-American traditions and celebrations!, July 5, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cinco de Mayo: Celebrating the Traditions of Mexico (Hardcover)

Cinco de Mayo means the "fifth of May." It is an important day in the history of Mexico because in 1862 the "Mexican army defeated the French in a decisive battle in the town of Puebla, Mexico." Many Mexican-American families like Rosaslba Rosas' celebrate this holiday. Her parents were born in Mexico, but she and her siblings were born here in the states. Mexican immigrants number in the millions and came in "three large waves." They have all brought their extraordinarily rich culture right along with the, including the holiday, Cinco de Mayo.

In this book we follow Rosie and learn about her life and cultural inheritance. We learn about her family business in a "Mexican-style grocery store" and the many products it sells. There is even a recipe for elote fresco or "Mexican-style corn on the cob." Rose attends Los Cenzontles where she learns about Mexican music (mariachi), dance and other traditions. She can even dance a zapateado! When Cinco de Mayo arrives, Rosie and her friends head to a fiesta in Point Reyes. There is a lot of music, dancing, food, parades and other entertainment. Rosie and Victor "perform as dance called El Torero." It's a time when the Mexican community can express their pride for their community and heritage.

I was expecting a book soley on the Cinco de Mayo festival, but was pleasantly surprised when I read this book. It is packed with information and the text is very liberally illustrated with colorful photographs. The pride Rosie Rosa, her family and others depicted in the book is evident. This is a fun, family-oriented book. In the front of the book there is a detailed section describing what Cinco de Mayo, its historical origin, and a two paged biography of Benito Juárez. In the back of the book is a glossary of Spanish words and an index. If you are looking for a casual, family-oriented book this one would be an excellent choice.