From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up?Thorough overviews of each of these Caribbean nations. Each volume covers geography, history, government, economy, population, lifestyle, religion, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and food. Political maps of the individual countries appear, but there are not adequate maps to indicate their location in the world. The material is well organized in easily readable sections, accurately illustrated with well-placed, full-color photographs on every page. Occasionally, the "outsider's" point of view becomes apparent. While discussing the Treaty of Paris, signed at the end of the Spanish-American War, in which "Puerto Rico was handed over to the United States," Levy states: "The locals were friendly?they knew America to be a rich, democratic nation and hoped for a better life under American rule." The discussions on race, ethnicity, and class are candid and accessible. Cuba does not dodge the obvious political questions and clearly informs of the progress made by the Revolution in the areas of education, health, and the arts. The format and style of these books will guide young researchers to compare and contrast these three countries.?Graciela Italiano, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. "The country's ideology stresses duty and communal effort, but the ordinary Cuban has a healthy disrespect for too much authority." Far from the usual propaganda, this lively, in-depth volume, part of the new Cultures of the World: Second Edition series, provides a close-up view of Cuba that is honest about the harsh economic climate and lack of political freedom as well as the free education and state-funded health care. Detailed, readable chapters cover history (from the earliest inhabitants through Castro's revolution and the ongoing friction with the U.S.), geography, government, the arts, economic conditions, the ethnic mix, religion, the arts, festivals, and more. The design is attractive, featuring thick paper and bright, fully captioned photos on every spread. The back matter is extensive: maps, a time line, a glossary, a bibliography, and a list of further resources, including Web sites and videos. Great for research, browsing, and discussion. Other books in this series, substantially revised from editions published in 1994, include El Salvador and Puerto Rico. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Library Binding edition.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Library Binding edition.
