THE ALAMO

by Leonard Everett Fisher ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 15, 1987

After his effective works on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, this favorite author of children's non-fiction turns to another famous monument. Fisher goes directly to the meat of the Alamo story, dramatically describing its final days under Bowie and Travis and the defeat of the Texans at the hands of Santa Anna. He then flashes back to early Texas history from the time of the Caddo Native American nation, through early explorations by Spaniards and by French. He discusses the building of the Alamo as a fort and a mission under the Spanish; its abandonment by the missionaries; and its role through the years of Spanish government, Mexican government and, finally, Texan rebellion. He returns to the battle, but in the final pages concentrates on the neglect of the Alamo after Texas joined the Union and its rehabilitation under the aegis of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. This is bare-bones history: clear, simple and not particularly involving. The most impressive sections come from primary sources: photos, documents and quotes from contemporary letters and descriptions. Fisher also uses his black-and-white scratch-board engravings to good effect.

Pub Date: April 15, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 64

Publisher: Holiday House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S