School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-Guevara's life, from his early years in one of Argentina's wealthiest families to mythic guerrilla revolutionary, is covered in detail. The author recounts how Che's childhood in a prominent but socialist-leaning family influenced many early decisions, including an all-important choice to study medicine. Guevara traveled Latin America as a young man, and encounters with peasants in the countryside sparked a determination that would guide his ideology throughout his life. A burning desire to see the downfall of capitalism through whatever means necessary, including armed revolution, spurred him to seek out causes and people that could help make that happen. The bulk of the book focuses on Guevara's time spent working closely with Fidel Castro to overthrow Batista and his U.S.-backed government. The writing is engaging and thorough; even students with just a passing knowledge of the man will find much here to capture their attention. Copious source notes, a detailed time line, and helpful black-and-white and color photographs round out this volume.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
These competently written biographies give detailed overviews of the lives of Guevara and Stalin from their youths through adulthoods. The volumes focus mainly on the influences the men had over world events and their legacies. The well-captioned photographs, maps, and other visual aids (for example, ""one of Che's fake passports"" and Soviet propaganda posters) add interest. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these World Leaders titles: Che Guevara and Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 7-10. The man behind the public icon is the subject of this compelling biography that tells the complex story of the famous radical leftist, his failure, his weakness, and his inspirational leadership in the fight for social justice. Born into one of the wealthiest families in Argentina, Guevara fought as a guerrilla leader for his dream of revolution throughout Latin America and Africa. His life story is closely woven into a detailed account of the global politics of his day, including his role in the Cuban revolution and the showdown with the U.S. The design is appealing, with clear type, occasional photos, and maps, and teens will be drawn to the account of the young leader who made a difference in spite of an inglorious defeat. A detailed time line, a bibliography, a list of Web sites, and well-documented chapter notes round out this volume. --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2006 Booklist
