Latino Almanac

Starred review from February 1, 2023

Gr 8 Up-A history of the Latinx population in the United States combined with profiles of Latinxs in various fields make this a thorough reference resource. Beginning with an overview and history of Latinx groups-Mexicans, Cubans, and Central Americans-and their population growth and economic impact in the U.S, this title also covers information on topics like language, religion, and the role of women within the cultures. This overview is followed by a focus on various fields, such as Business; Politics and Law; Science, Technology, and Medicine; and Sports, and Latinxs who have made contributions or had an impact in these fields. Profiles provide background information on each individual, including childhood and family, education, and experience. Individuals featured include labor union activist and representative Norma J. Torres, pharmacologist and scientist Daniel Acosta, Jr., astronaut and engineer Ellen Ochoa, Wonder Woman Lynda C�rdova Carter, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and professional baseball player Roberto Clemente. Color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations are included, with many of the entries accompanied by small photographs of the subject. Historical information is concise with connections made among different Latinx groups, while also highlighting the unique characteristics of each. Profiles are brief, usually no more than half a page in length, and provide a solid background on each one, while also featuring figures who might be familiar. Bibliography, image credits, and index are featured in the back matter. VERDICT An excellent reference resource on Latinxs, this update to the Hispanic Almanac is perfect for school and public library collections.-Selenia Paz

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2022
Latinx people are the largest minority group in the United States, a group expected to swell to as much as 40 percent of the population by the later twenty-first century. The Latino Almanac provides accurate and insightful information to counter common prejudices and misinformation. It highlights achievements and contributions, along with barriers Latinx people face to attaining their full potential. The volume is divided into fifteen sections, covering history, politics, science, film, sports, and more. Essays vary in length; some are quite extensive and include photos, statistical information, and tables. Entries for most topics are followed by capsule biographies, some with photos, of significant people in the field. The writing style is straightforward and expository and the primary virtue is clarity. Back matter includes an exemplary and extensive bibliography that highlights relevant books, websites, government documents, and demographic/statistical reports. Aimed at students as well as the general reader, this volume is recommended for school and university libraries as well as larger public libraries, as it provides a welcome entry point to understanding a vibrant ingredient of American life.

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September 1, 2022

Abridging and completely updating his 1994 Hispanic American Almanac, Kanellos (Hispanic studies, Univ. of Houston; founding publisher of The Americas Review), assisted by 13 other scholars, covers 14 categories, including history, business, politics, religion, the military, science, various arts, and sports. The overview of immigration cultures, history, and law provides perspective: Latinos were here before the Dutch or English; their political and economic influence is growing; and a bilingual Spanish/English America looks increasingly likely. The extensive historical chapter runs from prehistory to the present day, focusing on four groups: Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and, to a lesser extent, Central Americans. The editor asserts the cultural importance to his subject populations of religion but devotes just eight pages to that topic ("Media" is six times lengthier; "Literature" is the longest). The weaker half of the volume is devoted to biographical sketches that note the professional achievements of prominent Latinos, without much attention to institutional or systemic obstacles, or, often, to the subject's personal details and labels about their economic or social status backgrounds. Sometimes there are factual errors or omissions. Nevertheless, Kanellos offers a valuable starting point for research on Latinos in the United States, who are united but diverse in multiple ways. VERDICT Despite some flaws, this wide-ranging, clearly written volume will help researchers understand the past, present, and potential future of Latinos in the United States.--Patricia Lothrop

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.