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Summary
Summary
Other popular novels by Sherry Garland:Indio
Author Notes
Other popular novels by Sherry Garland:Indio
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Although Lorenzo Bonifacio is only 15, he is conscripted into the Mexican army for 10 years. At first, he and Esteban Esquivel, the 17-year-old son of the wealthiest landowner in the region, have nothing to do with one another, but in the end they become friends. Life in the army is vividly described, and the bloody battle scenes are realistically drawn. Hardships such as the lack of food, arbitrary justice, and the total loss of personal rights are part and parcel of this military experience. The conscripts are given outdated weapons and are not trained for battle as they are considered mere "cannon fodder." The women and children who followed the men, including Lorenzo's aunt and two younger sisters, suffer the same hardships, and many do not survive the arduous trip on foot to Texas. Santa Anna is portrayed as cruel and self-centered, desiring personal glory at all costs. Enduring physical hardships and personal tragedies, Lorenzo is transformed from a simple farmer to a soldier, and from a child to a man. Told from his perspective, the story provides a different point of view on a well-known historical event. Readers will sympathize with both the Mexican soldiers and with the rebels. A book that captures and holds young people's attention.-Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
(Intermediate, Middle School) Pictorial depictions of the Battle of the Alamo typically show one of two scenes: fierce, determined frontiersmen in hand-to-hand combat with an unstoppable enemy, or line after line of thousands of dedicated Mexican troops marching in precision toward the small mission. While complementing the American Alamo legend, such images frequently negate historical reality as well as the circumstances of the rank-and-file Mexican soldier. Fifteen-year-old Lorenzo Bonifacio is one such recruit, conscripted by the Mexican government to fight in a war for which he has little affinity and with a leader for whom he holds little respect. Along with the legions of laborers kidnapped from other villages, Lorenzo marches to San Antonio, accompanied by his widowed aunt, two younger sisters, Catalina the goatherd, and the odd assortment of other civilian hangers-on who follow troops. Lorenzo grows to appreciate his auntÕs healing skills, CatalinaÕs refreshing presence, a gruff sergeantÕs fatherly attitude, and an unlikely friendship with the son of a once-wealthy landholder. Despite these civilizing influences, the realities of war (with equal doses of horror, boredom, excitement, grief, and confusion) prevail during LorenzoÕs trek toward and through Texas and his metaphorical journey into manhood. Garland introduces readers to a time and place far removed from their own, but the motivations of these characters trying their best to survive are timeless. b.c. From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 6-8. Fifteen-year-old Lorenzo Bonifacio, who has never left his Mexican village, is conscripted into the Mexican army and soon finds himself with troops headed to retake the Alamo from North American settlers. The journey is hard, but Lorenzo finds solace in unexpected friendships and belief in the cause. However, when the battle finally occurs, his beliefs are challenged and his perspective is broadened as he comes to realize that triumph and tragedy and heroes and villains aren't as easily defined as he thought. In this entry in the Great Episodes series, Garland offers an alternate viewpoint of a well-known American historical event through an intimate, lively narrative that engages and informs. Along the way, she interweaves details about Mexican culture and the daily life of the times, some Spanish terms, and historical background. Lorenzo's character growth and development are realistically and sympathetically portrayed in a story that illuminates the impact of war across class and cultural boundaries. Some sources are noted at the back, and a glossary is appended. --Shelle Rosenfeld
