Freedom's Martyr: The Story of Jose Rizal, National Hero of the Phillipines by Suzanne Middendorf Arruda

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School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Born in the Philippines on June 19, 1861, Rizal was executed by the Spanish for treason on December 30, 1896, shortly before the American Navy moved into the port at Manila and helped to liberate the islands from Spanish rule. Trained in medicine, Rizal wanted representation for native peoples in the Spanish government and wrote three novels and several poems detailing their plight. According to Arruda, Rizal engaged in no terrorist activities, but his writings stimulated others to become politically active. Numerous monuments to him were erected after his death. With much current political attention focused on Asia, this well-written, readable biography will prove useful for reports and background information on the history of the Philippines. The book contains a two-page bibliography of works by and about Rizal, should students want to read further, and several black-and-white photographs from his life. An interesting look at a national hero.-Karen Sutherland, Bartlett Public Library, IL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.