Cesar Alegre,
Extraordinary Hispanic Americans ("Extraordinary People" Series)
Scholastic, 2007

Ages 12 +

A new title in Scholastic's "Extraordinary People" series, Extraordinary Hispanic Americans is a collection of biographies written by Hispanic Linguist Cesar Alegre, profiling 80 individuals from a variety of ethnic, professional and social groups. The collection offers "a view of a Hispanic culture that is growing, transforming and renewing itself, even as we read."

Three-page profiles with clear text and good-quality black & white photographs deftly capture the deeds and aura of important figures. While not an exhaustive list, Alegre's choice of names encompasses writers, artists, activists, scientist, sports figures, entertainers, educators and nobel prize winners of Hispanic ancestry in the United States: from Cesar Chavez to Carlos Santana; Sandra Cisneros to José Limón; Joan Baez to Ellen Uchoa.

A unique glossary of terms is provided at the end. Including words such as "ancestors," "bilingual," "diversity," "discrimination," "ethnic," "immigrant" and "stereotype," the list ends with the word "vast." An indication of the range of their admirable influence.

This is a good reference book to use in units exploring biographies and/or heritage.

Aline Pereira
September 2007