Viva Mexico!: The Story of Benito Juarez and Cinco De Mayo (Stories of America) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Alex Haley (Author), Howard Berelson (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- An easy biography , combined with a brief and accurate explanation of the Battle of Puebla, which occurred during Juarez's presidency and is the basis for the holiday celebrated on the fifth of May ( Cinco de Mayo ) . Palacio's vivid, informal writing will appeal to readers. Her facts are well researched, and transitions are fairly smooth. There is an introductory note by Alex Haley and an end note about Cinco de Mayo that briefly summarizes the main ideas. The stylized illustrations are simple and informative. There are no source notes, glossary, or index. Overall, a book that will bring a remarkable person to the attention of readers of all ethnicities.
- Graciela Italiano, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Description

A biography of the Zapotec Indian who grew up to become the President of Mexico and lead his country in a war for independence.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Steck-Vaughn (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811480542
• ISBN-13: 978-0811480543
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #535,973 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #25 in

  Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Mexico

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remember, remember, the Cinco de Mayo, March 21, 2005

By	Kevin Killian (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I grew up reading Argentina Palacios' books and I can't believe I'm the first person to review this one, probably her masterpiece (although she is young still, and I wouldn't put it past her to write another good one). Palacios is the Panamanian-born New York based author of several children's books and she has always done a fine job re-telling the legends and folk tales of the indigenous people of Peru, Latin America, Central America, even the Spanish speaking people of the West Indies; and she has often provided for the children of those lands up todate and accurate translations of the beloved US children's writers (like Beverly Cleary).

VIVA MEXICO is a little diofferent for her, but it just goes to show you, a talented writer doesn't have to depend on re-telling the same old folk tales. This book is a remarkable book of history--with no talking animals here--and it just "happens" to be written for kids, with cute illustrations in bright, primary colors, and it tells the story of Benito Juarez, a boy from the Zapotec Indian tribe who grew up the lowest of the low and yet somehow found it within himself to climb and scratch his way to the Presidential Palace of Mexico City and sit on its throne there.

Life wasn't all peaches and cream for Juarez, for he had to fight one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on this continent, the so-called Battle of Puebla. It so happens that this battle took place on May 5--in Spanish we say, "Cinco de Mayo" and school children and patriotic adults celebrate it everywhere we honor the spirit of a free Mexico.

It's funny hearing the explanation of phrases you've heard your whole life long and never understood the meaning of, and that's why we are so grateful to author Palacios.

By the way, this book, like the AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X, was edited by the great Alex (ROOTS) Haley. Maybe one of these days Sra. Palacios will drop her cloak of silence and pen an autobiography of her own, revealing among other things what it was like to work with Alex Haley while creating her own masterpiece. Here's hoping!