Ancona, George. Fiesta Fireworks. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. ISBN: 0-688-14817-4.
Fiesta Fireworks is a nonfiction book about the fiesta one town, Tultepec, has each year to celebrate their patron saint, San Juan de Dios. The celebration thrives on its brilliant firework display. The photographs that accompany the text are wonderful. They are much more powerful than the text. (Not that there is anything wrong with the text, however, it is the pictures that are the most fascinating aspect of the book.) The book is interlingual�it features some Spanish words within the English text. There is a glossary in the back of the book.
Without a doubt, this book is focused on the Mexican culture. Unlike some of the books we've read this semester, the culture is discussed openly and is the center of attention. It focuses on a festival instead of the daily life of the culture.
The book seems authentic and genuine. The photos are brilliant. The text is detailed and complement the photographs. It is fascinating to flip through the book and look at the pictures. They are memorable and add much to the book.
Culture Three Readings: