Roger E. Hernández "CUBA"
Philadelphia : Mason Crest Publishers, c2004.
ISBN: 1590842987
63 p. : col. ill., col. map ; 21 cm.

Hernandez chronicles Cuba's history from Columbus's landing when he
reputedly exclaimed that Cuba was, "the most beautiful land ever
beheld," [which serves as the title to the introductory chapter]
through to Fidel Castro. In an easy to follow format each of the five
concisely written chapters is further subdivided. For instance, the
second chapter is divided into "Conquest and Colonization," "War of
Independence," "The Republican Era," and "The Castro Era." Each
overview is refreshingly balanced.

Hernandez does not fall into the same pitfall of other authors of
uncritically repeating Cuban government soundbites; as an example, we
are told that the regime impoved literacy, housing and healthcare, but
we are, also, reminded that "Cuba was among the most advanced nations
in the region even before Castro," with a rate of literacy, infant
mortality, food consumption, and ownership of cars, telephones, or
televison sets that placed the young nation statistically among the
top three or four countries in Latin America. This historical and
balanced perspective will serve the young reader well as he or she
ciphers through the polarized information that one often hears about Cuba.

The chapters that follow are: 3] "A Stuggling Economy," 4] "Joy in
Life: Cuba's Culture and People," and 5] Cuba's Cities. Each chapter
is fully illustrated with relevant and colorful photographs that
further draws in the reader. Included is a calender of Cuban
Festivals, receipes, a glossary, two pages with ideas for projects and
reports, a chronology of Cuban historical events, a section for
further reading and an index.

Geared towards middle school aged children. It is highly recommended
for schools and libraries.

Reviewed by Radames Suarez, Queens Public Library, NY.