This biography of the eleven-time president of Mexico most famous for storming the Alamo and for his role in the Mexican-American War takes a while to get going. For much-needed comic relief, Bankston notes Santa Anna's emulation of Napoleon's hairstyle and other humorous tidbits. The book features color portraits of Santa Anna, often in action, and key players in his life. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Gr 5-8-These biographies are too short to examine each man's life fully. Opening with an anecdote from the person's life, the books include reproductions of paintings and photographs throughout. In both titles, the dates and time periods for certain events are not stated clearly. Both volumes also include misleading oversimplification. Santa Anna focuses mainly on the general's rise through the ranks of the military and his role in the Texas Revolution. Only three pages are devoted to the final 40 years of his life. Only one of the suggested Web sites is age appropriate. Rivera does not show images of all the paintings discussed, and those that do appear sometimes do not correspond with the text surrounding them. Also, the author does not address his subject's habit of telling tall tales, leading to some potential confusion. Only two of the Web sites are suitable for the intended audience. In both books, all quotes are fully attributed. Adequate where demand warrants.-S K Joiner, Brazoria County Library System, Angleton, TX Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.