Libros Cinco For Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Did you know that Cinco de Mayo commemorates a victory of General Ignacio Zaragoza's Mexican forces against Napoleon III's French troops on May 5, 1862? Now Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico. It is also celebrated by the Mexican diaspora in the United States. While you can certainly celebrate with some tacos and churros, we guarantee that you and your children will enjoy learning about Mexican culture with some of these books:

Uno, Dos, Tres; One, Two, Three

written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

This simple counting book follows two sisters in Mexico as they shop for

a birthday present for their mother in the marketplace.

Niño Wrestles the World

written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Niño is a fierce wrestler, or luchador. He takes on one mighty opponent
after another until he must defeat the biggest of them all,
his little sisters. For a special treat, watch Ms. Yuyi read it herself

Diego Rivera His World and Ours

written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

This picture book follows the course of artist Diego Rivera's

life, exploring his art, Mexican culture, and what

Rivera might paint if he were living today.

Becoming Naomi León

written by Pam Muñoz Ryan

 In this book for middle grades, Naomi and her brother

Owen go with their great-grandmother to find their father

in Mexico after their alcoholic mother reappears in their lives.

What the Moon Saw

written by Laura Resau

In another great choice for older middle school students,

Clara goes to Mexico to visit the grandparents she's never met.

Enjoy reading these books and enjoy Cinco de Mayo!

"Cinco De Mayo." Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary. Eds. Helene Henderson , Helene Henderson , and Helene Henderson . Detroit: Omnigraphics, Inc., 2010. Credo Reference. Web. 5 May 2015.