A Kineno Remembers: From the King Ranch to the White House [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Lauro F. Cavazos (Author)
Key Phrases: cow boss, academic choice, tenure issue, King Ranch, White House, Texas Tech (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
". . . offers readers a shining example of the power of diligence, pride, and personal responsibility to overcome narrow-mindedness and bigotry." -- Jorge Iber, Texas Tech University, author of Hispanics in the Mormon Zion

". . . very much an inspiration to read and tells a unique story . . ." -- David Murrah, Vice President of Southwest Museum Services

"It is the story of a person who is a role model for us all . . ." -- Arnoldo De León

"The life and contributions of Lauro Cavazos should be an inspiration to all." -- James P. Comer, Maurice Falk Professor

Product Description
On September 20, 1988, Lauro Cavazos became the first Hispanic in the history of the United States to be appointed to the Cabinet, when then–vice president George H. W. Bush swore him in as secretary of education. Cavazos, born on the legendary King Ranch in South Texas and educated in a two-room ranch schoolhouse, served until December 1990, after which he returned to his career in medical education and academic administration.

In this engaging memoir, he recounts not only his years in Washington but also the childhood influences and life experiences that informed his policies in office. The ranch, he says, taught him how to live.

These pages are full of glimpses into life on the famous ranch. Cavazos tells of Christmas parties, cattle work, and schooling. In his home, he was introduced to a natural bilingualism: he and his siblings were encouraged to speak only English with their father and only Spanish with their mother.

Cavazos describes the high educational expectations his parents held. After service in World War II, Cavazos went to college and earned a doctorate from Iowa State University, launching him on to a career in medical education. In 1980 he returned to his alma mater, Texas Tech University, as its tenth president—the first Hispanic and the first graduate of the university to serve in that post.

As secretary of education, Cavazos stressed a commitment to reading. Indeed, he once told a group of educators that the curriculum for the first three years of school should be "reading, reading, and more reading."

His career is as interesting as it is inspiring, and Cavazos’ memoir joins the ranks of emerging success stories by Mexican Americans that will provide models for aspiring young people today.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Texas A&M University Press; illustrated edition edition (June 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585445266
• ISBN-13: 978-1585445264
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,164,362 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true educator in the Executive Branch, October 7, 2007

By	D. A. Crossley, Jr. "soilmite" (Athens, Georgia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dr. Cavazos gives us a vivid explanation of the reasons that politics gets in the way of educational reform. A man of integrity, he refused to bend to the demands of party politics. His emphasis on parental involvement, early preparation for schoolwork, and yes -- bilingual education -- have outlined a course of action we should all adopt. Cavazos is bilingual from his earliest years. While he notes the importance of the Spanish language for its cultural roots, he emphases that English is the language of our country.

I give this book my highest recommendation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an inspiring story, March 11, 2007

By	Nancy Phillips - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dr. Cavazos' story was most inspiring and also entertaining. As he wrote of his days growing up on the King Ranch I could almost feel the dusty wind blowing in my face. His story just shows what anyone can achieve in this country. Having a great pair of parents and other role models just makes it easier. This country got where it is with the help of all the immigrants into our country and this book demonstrates a part of that.