Hispanic American Almanac - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810398230 ISBN 13: 9780810398238

Publisher: Uxl, 1995

Synopsis

Examines the history, immigration, family life, education, religion, jobs, literature, art, sports, and demographics of Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, and Cuban Americans

About this title

From Booklist

This source, another entry in Gale's UXL list aimed at middle-school students, provides information about "the heritage, the communities and the growing influence of Hispanics on U.S. culture." It is based on the adult title, The Hispanic-American Almanac [RBB Ap 15 93], also edited by Kanellos. Fourteen chapters cover Spanish exploration; immigration to the U.S. from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba; family structure and the role of religion; the workplace and education; and contributions in the arts and sports. Each chapter is an easy-to-read essay on the topic, beginning with a boxed "Fact Focus" that highlights key concepts, events, and the like presented in the chapter. Boxed "Words to Know" and other facts are in sidebars. Black-and-white illustrations, some of which appear blurred, are scattered throughout. Further reading and an index complete the book.

The editors try to give all sides of the picture, and discrimination and enslavement are discussed. The emphasis is on Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican influences with a brief mention of Central Americans. In each case, a history of a country or area and its subsequent U.S. involvement is related, followed by a discussion of the reasons these people immigrated to the U.S. No sources are cited for the chapters. The further-reading list includes adult rather than young-adult books. The index does not include all names mentioned. For example, Gary Soto rates an illustration and mention for his poetry, but no index entry. Also, the index entry for Hatuey lists an incorrect page number.

All in all, this volume provides a much-needed point of access for middle-school students and their teachers--and older, reluctant readers or those with limited English proficiency--to Hispanic American history and culture. The essay format and fairly simple index do not lend themselves to ready reference. Libraries may find this volume better suited to the circulating collection.

From Library Journal

Well documented by an impressive list of contributors and advisers, The Hispanic-American Almanac is a vital new reference tool. Beginning with an overview of the history of Hispanics from the Spanish conquests in the New World to the modern emigrations to the United States, this source then offers a chronology and copies of major historic documents from both the Americas. Rarely addressed subjects such as women, Hispanic businesses, the arts, and science are covered in depth, as are more common topics such as the labor movement, employment, and religion. The legal and political history of Hispanics is particularly well researched. Covering modern immigration laws, police brutality, and Hispanics within the judical system itself, this section provides information that is otherwise difficult to sift from similar Anglo sources. Because Hispanics are treated erratically in standard sources, the main strength of this reference tool is its biographical information, which alone makes it essential for public libraries. Profiled are the obvious--Spanish explorers, sports figures, and television personalities--and also the unusual--artists, advertising executives, and scientists. Although slightly high priced for an individual reference tool, this work costs less than such individual volumes as Hispanic Writers ( LJ 11/15/90), Who's Who Among Hispanic Americans (Gale, 1990), or Hispanic American Information Directory ( LJ 5/15/90). Those libraries with large Spanish-speaking populations may want to compare the Hispanic-American Almanac to Almanaque Mundial (an annual reference from Editorial America), which has similar contents but is in Spanish. This is an essential purchase for public libraries.
- Sharon Roman, Carroll Cty. P.L., Westminster, Md.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Uxl
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0810398230
• ISBN 13: 9780810398238
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 213
• Editor: Ryan Bryan, Kanellos Nicolas