School Library Journal Review

Gr 3-4-- A clear but not very lively overview of the life of Benito Juarez. Bains covers the basic facts about the man's humble origins as a Zapotec Indian and his persistence to acquire an education under difficult circumstances. Juarez's career, which culminated in his election as president of Mexico in 1861, is cursorily treated. His character traits--honesty and courage--are stressed in simple but relevant examples of his political decisions to better the lives of the people. His support of Abraham Lincoln and the Union is underscored. There are no source notes. The pen-and-ink illustrations are merely decorative and do not contribute significantly to the text. Overall a barely average book with limited information.-- Graciela Italiano, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.