Back from Mexico!

Hello everyone,

I had an absolutely brilliant 2 weeks in Mexico for my brother's wedding, I hope you enjoy looking at my photos. If you want to see more and hear all about my trip, catch me in the library I'd be delighted to tell you all about it!

In honour of my trip I am going to highlight some of the excellent books which we have in the Library about and from Mexico. If you're interested in finding out more, then I've created a more extensive book list here!

Years 1-4

De Paola, T. (2004) Adelita: a Mexican Cinderella story, New York: Puffin books. (A DEO ade)       
                                                                 
Hace mucho tiempo 'a long time ago' there lived a beautiful young woman named Adelita. So begins the age-old tale of a kind-hearted young woman, her jealous stepmother, two hateful stepsisters, and a young man in search of a wife.Tomie dePaola's exquisite paintings, filled with the folk art of Mexico, make this a Cinderella story like no other.



Wade, M.D. (2002) El día de los muertos/The day of the dead, New York: Children's Press. (BE 394 WAD dia)

This small, but perfectly formed information book explains how Mexican families celebrate the lives of their deceased loved ones, including sharing pictures and stories, preparing feasts, and lighting candles in the graveyard on November 1, The Day of the Dead.
Brilliant pictures and easy-to-read text make this the perfect choice for years 1 and 2 to learn more about this interesting custom.

Years 5 & 6



  Gruber, B. (2007) Mexico, Washington: National Geographic. (J 908(72) GRU mex)

Another great title in the fantastic National Geographic Countries of the World series, this book gives an interesting look at the cities, rural communities, history and culture of Mexico. With beautiful photography, maps, a glossary and suggested websites this is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to find out more about this fascinating country.



Romero, A.M. (2000) Mi tío Moctezuma, Madrid: Magisterio Casals. (JN ROM mit)

 Quelualti, sobrino del emperador azteca, describe los acontecimientos que sucedieron en México, a principios del siglo XVI, con la llegada de los españoles. El narrador es testigo de la primera etapa de esta conquista, en la que Hernán Cortés y sus soldados fueron recibidos pacíficamente; mientras que en la segunda descubre que los intrusos son codiciosos y poseen armas superiores, por lo que surge la rebelión de los aztecas.



Years 7, 8 and 9

Santiago, R. (2011) El sueño de Iván, Madrid: S.M. (JN SAN sue)

 Por primera vez en la historia del fútbol, una selección de niños va a enfrentarse a una selección de los mejores jugadores del mundo. El motivo: recaudar fondos para los damnificados de un terremoto. El partido tendrá lugar en el estadio Azteca de México y, evidentemente, los niños no tienen ninguna posibilidad de ganar, ¿o sí? Iván, uno de estos niños futbolistas, nos contará todo en primera persona.



Baumgart, B. (2007) Teens in Mexico, Minneapolis: Compass Point Books. (J 394 (725) BAU tee)
Mexico's young people are growing up in a country of contrasts. The lives of urban teens vary widely from those in rural areas. And while a small minority of wealthy families can afford private education, the latest technologies, and other luxuries, the majority of people live in poverty. Yet despite these struggles, Mexico's young people find escape and excitement in celebrating their heritage and traditions.

Year 10 - Adult

Kahlo, F. (2001) The diary of Frida Kahlo: an intimate self-portrait, London: Bloomsbury. (B KAH dia)



Frida Kahlo is one of Mexico most famous artists, and an interesting character who has been the inspiration for many novels and films. This book is a facsimile of Kahlo's illustrated journal documenting the last ten years of her life and it reveals many new dimensions of the Mexican artist. The journal covers the years 1944-54 and contains Kahlo's thoughts, poems and dreams and reflects the stormy relationship with her husband Diego Rivera.

 Esquivel, L. (2001) Como agua para chocolate, Barcelona: Bibliotex. (N ESQ com)

Tita y Pedro se aman. Pero ella está condenada a permanecer soltera, cuidando a su madre hasta que ésta muera. Y Pedro, para estar cerca de Tita, se casa con la hermana de ella, Rosaura. Las recetas de cocina que Tita elabora puntean el paso de las estaciones de su vida, siempre marcada por la presente ausencia de Pedro. Como agua para chocolate es una agridulce comedia de amores y desencuentros, una obra chispeante, tierna y pletórica de talento, que se ha convertido en uno de los mayores éxitos de la literatura latinoamericana.

I hope this list inspires you to find out more about this fascinating country, until next time!

Isabel Chadwick.