Inside Guide: Celebrating Hispanic Cultures

Located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic is a unique place with a rich cultural heritage. In this accessible and enlightening book, readers learn that the Dominican Republic has the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere, is on the second largest island in the Caribbean, and has experienced many significant events that have shaped the culture of its people. Stunning, full-color photographs accompany the text, bringing concepts into focus. This thorough investigation is sure to hold reader's attention while supporting the elementary social studies curriculum.

Who are the people of Cuba? Readers will investigate this question through this engaging book about the cultural traditions, holidays, music, literature, dance, and food of the island nation, the largest in the Caribbean. Including an analysis of how the country's history has shaped the cultural identity of its people, this comprehensive text sheds light on the people's unique challenges and achievements. Each spread features stunning photographs and enlightening sidebars and fact boxes, which will aid readers in understanding many important curricular social studies concepts.

Mexico is a nation of magnificent cultures. Readers of this beautifully designed volume will explore the converging heritages that have shaped Mexico, including those of ancient civilizations and the French and Spanish. Need-to-know information about the past and present, such as how the country's capital was built by the ancient Aztecs on a lake and the many contributions Mexican peoples have made to art and literature, are accompanied by stunning photographs. This multifaceted analysis of history and culture offers a uniquely and motivating take on curricular social studies.

The culture of Puerto Rico is as complex as the beliefs and ways of life of the many people who live there. Readers will learn that before the arrival of the Spanish, Puerto Rico was called Boriquén by the Taínos. They will also learn that it has the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. Forest System, among many other interesting facts. With an emphasis on Puerto Rico's contributions to sports, arts, music, and food, this book offers a comprehensive look at the country and its inhabitants. Colorful photographs and high-interest text will motivate learners in absorbing curricular social studies subjects.

The people of Venezuela have a vibrant culture replete with festivals, music, art, dance, and special foods. And don't forget about the magnificent landscape, including the largest lake in South America, the tallest waterfall in the world, and oil-Venezuela has the largest reserve on Earth! This book presents the nation, often in the news, in all its complexity, yet with accessible language to help clarify advanced social studies concepts for readers of many levels. Stunning photographs and beneficial sidebars enhance the well-researched text.

The Central American nation of Costa Rica is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country's history has shaped the rich cultural heritage of its people, including indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, and the fight for independence. In this dynamic text, an excellent aid to elementary social studies curricula, readers will not only discover more about Costa Rica's past but also its current arts and cuisine. This nation is also home to more than 500,000 species, thanks to its many national parks! Vivid photographs bring the content into sharp focus, and reader-friendly sidebars and fact boxes clarify complex concepts.