Cuba

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

This thorough and absorbing overview begins with the Spanish conquest of the indigenous peoples of the country in the sixteenth century and gives a brief history of Cuba's domination by various colonial powers, its achievement of independence in 1902, and the succession of presidents that followed. The main emphasis, however, is on Cuba during the regime of Fidel Castro, which began with the revolution in 1960. During the subsequent forty years great advances in education, medical care and cultural activities have taken place, along with a complete intolerance of political dissent and the curtailment of individual freedoms. In a clear, concise text the author discusses a wide range of topics, including the economic situation, military activity, artistic achievements, social programs, family life, international relations and more. Sherrow's tone is matter-of-fact and unbiased. Included are a timeline, source notes, bibliography, reading list, index and a few good black and white photographs. 2001, Twenty-First Century Books/Millbrook Press, $23.90. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Patricia Dole

VOYA

Sherrow packs her book's nine comprehensive chapters with a wealth of well-documented facts dealing with every facet of life in this island nation, from its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492, to its struggle for independence, first from Spain and later from American rule. The book traces Cuba's revolutionary past and present status as a communist nation as well as its culture and current living conditions, with an update on today's economic, social, and political climate. By far the most troubled period in Cuba's history dates from 1959, when Fidel Castro and his band of revolutionaries deposed the military regime of strongman Fulgencio Batista to become Cuba's Supreme Leader with grandiose promises of freedom and prosperity. By 1961, however, Castro had declared openly his allegiance to Russian Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin's communist ideals and soon instituted a vast network of severe controls and arbitrary reforms that plunged his homeland into decades of economic depression and civilian repression. Of special interest are the many close-ups of noteworthy events and outstanding figures as well as developments in science and industry. Although Castro's oppressive regime remains in power, some headway has been made in opening Cuba to the outside world through groups working to restore academic freedom, to increase contact with other nations, and to implement political change. Informative and easy to read, this volume might be a worthy acquisition for young adult collections short on literature on this politically sensitive Caribbean nation only ninety miles from America's shores. Index. Illus. Photos. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology. VOYA CODES:4Q 2P J S(Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses;For the YA with a special interest in the subject;Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9;Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Twenty-First Century, 144p. PLB $23.90. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer:Delia A. Culberson—VOYA, December 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 5)

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