A Kid's Guide to Latino History: More than 50 Activities (A Kid's Guide series)
Grade 3–7—History and hands-on activities introduce children to the Latino cultures that are shaping our society. The book addresses a broad historical scope, from pre-Columbian culture in the Americas to present-day debates about undocumented immigration to the United States. Petrillo does not shy away from the thorny aspects of this debate, and she gives both sides their due. Her simple, direct prose clearly explains events and issues in language elementary-school students can understand. Interesting informational sidebars are included; for example, "Sea to Shining Sea" explains how Spanish words such asbarbacoa(barbecue) androdeoentered American English. The more than 50 activities, games, and crafts help to bring Latin American cultures to life. Children can learn how to dance themerengue, celebrate Christmas Mexican-style by makingfarolitos(lanterns), and more. The book focuses on the most dominant Latino groups in the United States; Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Dominican Americans all get their own chapters. But Petrillo does an outstanding job of illustrating the rich variety within Latino cultures by describing how Central and South Americans contribute to United States culture and economy. An excellent resource for enriching children's understanding of these cultures.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.