Mexico (Country Topics for Craft Projects)

Offers a brief survey of Mexican history, culture, society, language, and character, and includes craft projects

Grade 2-4?This basic introduction to the geography, history, language, and social customs of Mexico falls short of its goal. Full-color photos (many of which are postage-stamp size), drawings, and "Say it in Spanish" boxes appear on each fact-packed, double-page spread. Unfortunately, a pronunciation guide is not included. The photo of the guacamole reveals an unappetizing brown blob. The temple at the top of Chichen Itza, El Castillo, is not "reached by a flight of 365 steps." Rather, it can be reached from all four sides, each side containing a flight of steps. The combination of these four flights, together with the top temple block, represent the 365 days of the year. Such an inaccuracy, though minor, casts doubt on the veracity of other data. Of more concern is the inclusion of the "traditional" drinking of tequila and a grossly oversimplied discussion of illegal immigration. There is scant acknowledgment of "great efforts to strengthen its economy and modernize its industries," lip service at best, and negates a people who have more similarities to us in the U.S. than differences.?Claudia Cooper, Ft. Stockton Independent School District, TX
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