If you eat fajitas, listen to Selena, have studied the Spanish-American War, read Julia Alvarez, visited Miami, or seen Charlie Sheen in a movie, you're probably aware that Latino culture is an integral part of American life. But most Americans do not know much about Latino history, or realize the impact it has on the politics, economy, and culture of American life.

Everything You Need to Know About Latino History covers the contributions of Spaniards, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, and Central and South Americans whose cultures have given us everything from chocolate to chili peppers, from mambo to machismo, and from Desi Arnaz to Oscar Hijuelos. Presented in a question and answer format, this revised edition includes new information on Central and South Americans, the largest group of new Latino immigrants, the passing of Proposition 187 in California, and how Latino women are playing a larger role in politics and the arts. This accessible reference book is perfect for both the history buff and the curious reader who want to learn more about Latino American history.

'\"[An] informative and entertaining volume, written in a conversational, colloquial style.\"

Library Journal

\"In a snappy, rapid-fire manner, [Novas] provides loads of useful and frequently surprising information.\"

Booklist

\"[A] niftyblend of history and pop culture.\"

Kirkus Reviews'

'The popular primer to Latino life and cultureupdated for 2008

Latinos represent the fastest-growing ethnic population in the United States. In an accessible and entertaining question-and-answer format, this completely revised 2008 edition provides the most current perspective on Latino history in the making, including:

New Mexico governor Bill Richardson\'s announced candidacy for the 2008 presidential election

Ugly Bettythe hit ABC TV show based on the Latino telenovela phenomenon

The number of Latino players in Major League baseball surpassing the 25 percent mark

Immigration legislation and the battle over the Mexican border

The state of Castro\'s health and what it means for Cuba

More than ever, this concise yet comprehensive reference guide is the ideal introduction to the vast and varied history and culture of this multifaceted ethnic group.'

Presented in a question and answer format, the book includes new information on Central and South Americans, the largest group of new Latino immigrants, the passing of Proposition 187 in California, and how Latino women are playing a larger role in politics and the arts.

'HIMILCE NOVAS is the author of six books and has written for the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, Connoisseur, and Cuisine. She hosts a popular Santa Barbara radio show and has taught at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She lectures widely on Latino history and culture.'