Mexico

What do piñatas, chocolate, and cowboys have in common? They all come from Mexico. And where else can you find a great pyramid? That’s right: you’ll find it in Mexico. For kids interested in the history and culture of our southern neighbors, details on the remains of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which lies beneath modern–day Mexico City, will leave them eager for more. Launch into this captivating country with a look at the art and music that shape everyday life in Mexico; kids will want to show off their own salsa moves after reading about the many festivals, feasts, and celebrations – like the Day of the Dead – that hold a prime spot in Mexican culture.

After a look at the earthquake-prone geography of the country, this issue then leads readers through its long and complicated history of powerful empires, Spanish rule, and eventually, total independence in 1821. An overview of the current economic, racial, and political issues in Mexico, for kids who want more contemporary information, sets the stage for discussions about how trade and tourism shape life in the country today. It’s all wrapped up with “postcards” from Mexico’s diverse states, from the Mayan ruins of poverty-stricken Chiapas to the pricey resorts of seaside Cancun.

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