Author Description

Viva México!: A Story of Benito Juárez and Cinco de Mayo is a biography of the Zapotec Indian who became the President of Mexico and lead his country in a war for independence. Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian, was born and raised in extreme poverty. With hard work, determination and love for his country, he became the president of Mexico. With the help of the people, who suffered for centuries as a European colony, Juárez defeated the French on the fifth day of May. Today, that day is celebrated as the enduring symbol of Mexican independence and pride. Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration in Mexico as it commemorates the Mexican army’s unpredicted victory over the French soldiers in the Battle of Puebla that occurred on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo means “Fifth of May” in Spanish. Alex Haley, as General Editor, wrote the introduction.