This book was so revealing for me. I was in the "Texas" section of the nonfiction area of the library, trying to find some informational books on my future state of residence. I passed over this book. After I had done some research about award-winning nonfiction books, I found this book on a list of recommended titles. And I would recommend it to anyone.
The different perspectives really revealed a different view of the Alamo. I am glad I know more of the background of this historic landmark. I have to admit that I didn't know much about the Alamo, except that most everyone I met in Texas over spring break asked "Did you see the Alamo, yet? It's really small. You'll understand why we lost." Truthfully, I didn't even know "we" lost. Not many books go back so far as to include native people before the historic event occurred. Knowing the information I know now, I have a better sense of what happened at the Alamo. Because the book was written form the different perspectives of individuals involved, I understand how the different sides of the war felt and what they went through. I also learned a lot about the area of San Antonio before settlers came to live there. I usually have a hard time identifying with characters of different backgrounds than my own, but this book really helped put myself in other's shoes.
The illustrations are beautifully done an add a sense of historical significance to the information. The color palate reflects the colors of San Antonio and Texas. I can't wait to visit the Alamo now when I move there!
"Remember the Alamo!" (and "Don't Mess With Texas")
Siblings
I commented on Beth's recent post about my brother and wanted to include a picture of him.
And just so that he doesn't feel left out, this is my older brother.
Like mother, like daughter
Best friends, near or far.
3 comments:
I think it is so telling how over and over we have talked about how good it is to hear different perspectives. It seems glaringly obvious that many of us were not taught history from the perspective of different players. I know I only learned what was in the textbook. Hopefully with more and more nonfiction books becoming available that tell different perspectives, the next generation will have a more well rounded view of history and its multiple perspectives.
Sounds like a great book. I've found that people from different parts of the country learn different US histroy. I learned all about the Alamo when I was growing up - but that was in CA - I learned nothing about Williamsburg or Jamestown (except for brief summaries in text books).
I visited the Alamo 2 summers ago and it was so small I almost missed it. Totally not what I expected. Isn't everything bigger in Texas? This sounds like a wonderful book. 5th grade students in NN learn the Regions of the US in Social Studies and the Alamo is a landmark they must learn about, would you recommend this book?
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