CINCO DE MAYO

Today, May 5, is Cinco de Mayo, the holiday commemorating the battle that led to Mexico's freedom from France. The Elk Grove Library has several books and films about this holiday available in the Youth Services Department under the general call number of 394.262. Adult Services has several books about the relevant time period available as well:

Maximilian and Juarez (1992) by Jasper Ridley (972.07 RID)
A Precise History of Mexico from Hidalgo to Cardenas, 1805-1940 (1977) by Jan Bazant (972 BAZ)
Independence and Revolution in Mexico, 1810-1940 (1993) by Rebecca Stefoff (972 STE)

Among the many sites online regarding this holiday is one by Assunta Montes de Oca de Marshall, written in both English and Spanish. The History of Cinco de Mayo has several pictures and maps. Resources for teachers, with activities, games, color pages, and links, can be found at Kiddiehouse and Kids Domain.

A very brief biography of General Zaragoza can be found at Biography.ms and also at Famous Americans.net. Brief biographies of Emperor Maximilian III can be found at Infoplease and Maximilian. Biographies of Benito Juarez can be found at Benito Juarez and Infoplease.