Lovely photos and words reveal a traditional sport, way of life and skills comparable to the American rodeo. Boys, girls, young women and men join in for a day of celebration centered around style, courage, horses and skill with a rope. Over 2 & 1/2 dozen Spanish words are introduced through the text. I would reocmmend this book to students in the 4th and 5th grades.

Keller's book is the seminal book on Chicanos and Latinos in film. It traces Chicano film history from the very beginning of the motion picture industry. The compilation of articles look at diverse issues related to films by, for, and/or about Chicanos. Chicano Cinema is a must buy for those interested in Chicano films. See also Chon Noriega and Rosa Linda Fregoso for books on Chicanos in film by Chicano/as. Review By Jesse Luna

Chon Noriega, Editor of Chicanos in Film, dares to create a book that reveals the culture, philosophy, corazon, affirmation, sangre, and issues of contemporary Chicano Films. Pues, what are you waiting for? Buy it and learn how Richard "Cheech" Marin threw stereotypes on their head and how Frances Salome Espana creates films on her own terms.

Children of the Sierra Madre by Frank J. Staub and Jules Hermes includes interesting text and beautiful photographs showing life for the Tarahumara or as they refer to themselves, the Raramuri people. The Raramuri live a traditional life in the mountains of north western Mexico. Daily life, family, food, homes, clothing, feasts, and contemporary issues such as health and clean water are revealed. My second graders were inspired to further research this group of people.

"Cinco de Mayo" is a masterpiece of literature, the great American novel. Nothing else Gnojewski has written is even in the water with it. Steibeck can't touch it, and no giant's shoulders would let Faulkner wade near it. Gnojewski invokes Hegel, Ibsen, and Kierkegaard to explain novel concepts, i.e "Jomo Kenyatta rhymes with pinata", "...did you know that the Pueblans made beefalo jerky, too, just like our own Plains Indians?", and "Benito Juarez was a skilled helicopter pilot who also invented the water balloon." Just think ---- If the French had won, we'd be eating frog legs with our tacos! Kudos to you, authoress Gnojewski. You done good!

I am not a big fan of Romance Novels; however, Ms. Bechko may have changed my way of thinking. This Historical romance was so entertaining and enlightening that I read it practically in one sitting. The facts pertaining to the Spanish overrunning the Indian lands and the cruelty of that particular period of time were wonderfully balanced by the spirit and light of the heroine. Because I am a resident of that part of the world, I was especially appreciative of Ms. Bechko portraying her characters with great accuracy. They are not super-human. They are all just trying to survive the best way they know how.
I am looking forward to reading more of the author's works. Her dedication to facts, as well as her creative imagination, make for enjoyable reading.

Coal Camp Days is of course a story about memories but also about hope, family and friends that make all those memories worth while. This fictionalized autobiography is a must-have for any serious reader of Chicano literature; especially those interested in northern New Mexico Hispano culture.

Following Matias, the fictionalized protagonist, Garcia weaves a tapestry of stories that blend local customs, traditions, and dialects as both the young boy and diverse community he lives in, grow together during one of the most chaotic times of United States history.

The text's readability is an outreach from Garcia's easy going style, attention to detail and ability to capture the moment in a language that is at once focused, yet relaxed'colloquial even. The text also serves as an ethnohistory of a specific time and group, and is an uplifting recollection about a simpler time when people of distinct backgrounds learn to live, love and face sorrow together.

I think this is an excellent book. I was delighted to find a guidebook that focuses on such an under appreciated topic. It is well researched and well writen. It describes many of the major colonial towns in central and southern Mexico. It provides a brief history for each town, describes the significant buildings, as well as near bye attractions. The maps are accurate and easy to read. It will be one of the few guide books that I bring on my next trip to Mexico.

I kind of like this one. It gives quite the geography lesson all wrapped up in water. Each chapter is informative and could be read in a single setting. I like how simple the Grand Canyon is explained in the second chapter. The point of the book is the whole river and the author does a nice job of introducing all of the rivers components. But the best chapter is five, the people of the Colorado Basin. It starts not with Euro-man but with the Anasazi. Chapter six is the geography lesson. The map on page 11 should have been re-printed back here for the young reader to reference. I was going to rate this book a four until I saw the 'To Find Out More Section'. It make this book a Wow. It recommends even web sites and a CD-ROM.