Cinco de Mayo

by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith, Lawrence Migdale (Photographer)

A fact-filled photo essay follows Rosa, a Mexican American girl from California, as she learns about her heritage and celebrates this popular Mexican holiday with her family, friends, and community.

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[(NS) Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous informational book with great captions and details told through the eyes of a young girl. This book helps students to really identify because it's not just about Cinco de Mayo, but about one particular girl, Rosie and her life. The book includes maps, recipes, glossary terms,and real photos to inform students about Mexican culture in the US. It discusses music and songs for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. It also touches on everyday life at Rosie's parents grocery store and importance of cultural dances such as the Mariachi. I was intrigued by the pictures and the level of details in the book and wanted to read more.

I would recommend this book to children in 3-5 grades.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book on Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla (not Mexican Independence Day as some people think). This celebration is seen through the eyes of Rosie, a young Mexican-American girl who lives in California, and we learn about Benito Juarez, former President of Mexico who lived during the time of the Battle of Puebla. The book also features basic information about Mexican-Americans, such as immigration, Mexican markets, traditional food, Mariachi, and traditional dances and the songs that go with them. The back has a glossary of Spanish words and a map of the many regions of Mexico.

[Nahira]

Cinco de Mayo is a great book to teach kids about Mexican traditions, it is a good start for upper elementary students. The book starts by introducing Rosalba a Mexican girl who lives in San Francisco. Then it starts explaining the real significance of the celebration of the Cinco de mayo. The fight against the French among other important facts. The book talk about traditions and celebrations of the Mexican culture and focus on how the generations of Mexicans that now live in the United States are still owner of their culture but also part of the United States.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a good explanation of what Cinco de Mayo is. That's in the first two pages. Then it gets into history and how different ways it's celebrated. The best part is the explanation of what Cinco de Mayo is.

[(NS) Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Booklist
This colorful photo-essay introduces Rosie, whose family celebrates their Mexican-American traditions in California. After discussing Benito Juárez, the history of Cinco de Mayo, and three major waves of immigration from Mexico, Hoyt-Goldsmith presents elements of Rosie’s heritage such as food, language, and mariachi music. Rosie performs a dance during her California community’s Cinco de Mayo festivities, and the book concludes with scenes from a parade that day, followed by a family barbacoa (barbecue) with traditional foods. The clearly written text and the many fine, color photos provide readers with information as well as glimpses of life in Rosie’s community. Small cut-paper silhouettes in solid colors add a distinctive note to the festive-looking pages. A glossary of Spanish words and a map of Mexico are appended. A reader-friendly introduction to the holiday. Grades 3-5. --Carolyn Phelan


I enjoyed reading this book and learned about Cinco De Mayo. I have many hispanic students in my class and it's important that I am aware of the traditions they celebrate. This book is suitable for grades 3 and higher.

[Kathy Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book would be a great addition to a classroom or home library. It is always so interesting to learn about traditions and celebrations of different cultures, especially in school. So, I think that a teacher could use this a great tool to teach students to listen and learn about the diverse cultures in our world. As students learn about Cinco de Mayo in this book, they can also compare 'independence days' with our '4th of July' celebrations in America. In which, students can write a short essay on what our independence day truly means to them, and what they do to celebrate the day each year. This may include watching fireworks, making smores, or spending time with friends- all in which students can compare and contrast to the young girl in the story. Also, students can begin my filling out a compare and contrast graphic organizer that students can first organize their ideas, compare them to those celebration preparations in the book, then begin writing. I think this book would give students a great opportunity to find the connection within cultures as they find similarities and differences to each independence day of Mexico and America.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting, but rather detailed book about the history of the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Quite a few historical facts are highlighted in the book as are the cultural background from one of Mexico's most popular holidays. The way in which the Mexican culture is passed on to the children in California is a central focus of the story and the photographs are very interesting. We are shown some of the dances, songs, clothing, food and traditions that are part of the celebration.

Our girls were quite bored with this book fairly quickly, so I would only read a couple of pages each night. We started reading it because our girls asked about Cinco de Mayo, but by the time we finished the book, I think they were sorry they had asked. I liked the book and thought it was very educational for all of us. Our girls were more interested in the parts that showed the children and their involvement in the various activities. I think it would have been more interesting for our girls if the narrative had been edited down a bit more, but on the whole it was an educational book and a worthwhile read.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinco De Mayo: Celebrating the Traditions of Mexico follows Rosie, a young American girl fof Mexican heritage as she celebrates, along with various members of her family, the history, fiestas, food, and parades of this happy and festive holiday.

Used for "Celebrate!Cinco De Mayo" storytime: May, 2011.

[Sarah Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follows a family from Northern California as they celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Includes a brief history of the holiday and Mexican immigration to the US as well as the current traditions of Mexican-Americans.

[Stephanie Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a great book for children to read to learn about a different culture! I think that it would be important for students to understand different traditions of their peers. I would recommend this book for students 3rd grade and up.