Kallen, Stuart A. The History of Latin Music.

Kallen, Stuart A.  The History of Latin Music.  Gale/Lucent  2013  126p  ISBN 978-1-4205-0947-2   series: Music Library  ms/hs VG-BN Nonfiction

This book presents a historical view of Latin American music through time and its influence on American culture.  From the beginning of time, music has always had a place in history.  The music from Latin America is a combination of many sounds that date back centuries.  Many of the strongest features of Latin music are the tango from Argentina and the Afro-Cuban sound, whose influence can be found in many American songs such as “Twist and Shout” and Buddy Holly’s song “Not Fade Away”, to name a few.  New Orleans pianist Fats Domino found his inspiration in the Afro-Cuban sound. This book describes how the Latin beat from many Latin countries influenced all kinds of songs and music of today.  You will recognize many names of artists, musicians and singers.  This historical walk through Latin American music would be a welcome addition to your library.

The book includes a recommended listening library, fact boxes, notes, an index, and lists of books, pictures and websites for further information.

Summary: This book presents a historical view of Latin American music through time and its influence on American culture.                      

Music-Latin America-History and Criticism                   --Magna Diaz

Kallen, Stuart A. Che Guevara.

Kallen, Stuart A.                    Che Guevara.     Twenty First Century see Millbrook  88p  $33.27 978-0-8225-9035-4      2013      jr/sr                         E-BN         Biography                           

A hero of the Cuban revolution, Che Guevara was Fidel Castro’s right-hand man, but his passion for civil rights would take him from one revolution to another until his death.  Born in Argentina to a middle-class family, Ernesto “Che” Guevara suffered from bad asthma attacks.  As he entered his teens these attacks would be become worse, but that did not stop him from traveling across Latin America with a friend on a motorcycle.  It was during that time that he saw a lot of injustices among the people.  He wanted to help humanity, and especially free them from cruel dictators.  He became a doctor, but history has shown that he never practiced.  Shortly after he finished his higher education he joined Fidel Castro and his cause.  It turns out he was very good as a revolutionary leader.

This book explores the man behind the myth. The book presents the reader with all sides of the man: his youth, his passions, and his life.  It provides photographs, maps, fact boxes, and the real story behind his tragic end in the fields of Bolivia.               

Ernesto (Che) Guevara-Biography                                                                                                     by --Magna Diaz