The Mexican-American War (World History)

Grade 6-9-A clear and concise look at a largely forgotten but extremely important part of American history. Nardo covers the events leading up to this still controversial conflict; the major battles; the large antiwar movement in the U.S.; and the bitter reaction, which persists to this day, on the part of some Mexicans. Excerpts from various documents from the period are included, as are extensive chapter notes and bibliographies. Numerous black-and-white photos and reproductions enliven the presentation, but there are only a few maps and the movements of the various armies become a little confusing. There are also one or two minor errors. For example, Grant and Lee did not form a friendship during the war. At Appomattox, Lee couldn't ever remember meeting Grant. Alden Carter's The Mexican War (Watts, 1992) covers the military side of the war, but doesn't go into as much depth on the political issues. Nardo offers one of the best overviews of all aspects of the war currently available.
Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
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