Che Guevara

Gr 8 Up–Guevara was, and is, an iconic figure of revolutionary movements everywhere. His passion for economic justice was legendary, and his determination to fight capitalism was unwavering. This biography, with a focus on how Guevara grew into his revolutionary ideals, describes a middle-class, educated upbringing that allowed, and encouraged, young Che to explore all avenues, eventually leading to a degree in medicine. Eschewing life as a doctor, he traveled in Latin America, where his encounters with peasants helped form his ideology. In Guatemala he met Fidel Castro, and together they led a bloody, and ultimately successful, revolution against a brutal dictator in Cuba, cementing a global reputation as a hero to some, and an enemy of businesses and capitalism in the United States and its allies. The narrative is accessible and compelling, and a solid introduction to the life and times of Guevara, providing both detail and context to a complicated, thoughtful man. Black-and-white photographs offer a good visual supplement and help explain part of the mystique surrounding the handsome, charismatic Guevara. Extensive back matter, including a Who’s Who section and a summarizing time line, will be especially helpful to researchers. A solid choice for any library.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA