Viva México!: A Story of Benito Juárez and Cinco de Mayo (1992) Viva México!: A Story of Benito Juárez and Cinco de Mayo is a biography of the Zapotec Indian who became the President of Mexico and lead his country in a war for independence. Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian, was born and raised in extreme poverty. With hard work, determination and love for his country, he became the president of Mexico. With the help of the people, who suffered for centuries as a European colony, Juárez defeated the French on the fifth day of May. Today, that day is celebrated as the enduring symbol of Mexican independence and pride. Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration in Mexico as it commemorates the Mexican army’s unpredicted victory over the French soldiers in the Battle of Puebla that occurred on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo means “Fifth of May” in Spanish. Argentina Palacios is a published author and a translator of several children’s books. Some of her published credits include Viva México!: A Story of Benito Juárez and Cinco de Mayo (Stories of America), Henry Huggins (Spanish Edition) and Cuando Hay Fuego. Howard Berelson is a published illustrator of several children’s books. Some of his published credits include Viva México!: A Story of Benito Juárez and Cinco de Mayo (Stories of America), Natural Foods (A Concise Guide) and Indoor Gardening (First Books). Alex Haley, as General Editor, wrote the following introduction:

Viva México!: A Story of Benito Juárez and Cinco de Mayo • Reviews

“Viva México! is a remarkable book of history that just happens to be written for kids, with cute illustrations in bright primary colors. It tells the story of Benito Juárez, a boy from the Zapotec Indian tribe, who grew up in poverty and yet somehow found it within himself to climb and scratch his way to the Presidential Palace of Mexico City and sit on its throne there.” - San Francisco, CA.

“Viva México! is an inspiring true story of Zapotec Mexican Indian, Benito Juárez, who became president of Mexico. Children and young readers will learn about Cinco de Mayo, a major holiday celebrated by Mexicans and Mexican-Americans alike.” - Bolder, CO.

“Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian, begins life in very humble surroundings. Hard work, study, and the love of his people, however, lead him to become the President of Mexico and a great hero.” - Cambium Learning.

“Viva México! is an easy biography, combined with a brief and accurate explanation of the Battle of Puebla, which occurred during Juárez’s presidency and is the basis for the holiday celebrated on the fifth of May (Cinco de Mayo). Palacio’s vivid, informal writing will appeal to readers. Her facts are well researched, and transitions are fairly smooth.” - School Library Journal.

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