Today is Cinco de Mayo’(May 5), and people across the United States will be celebrating by drinking margaritas, eating chilaquiles, tacos and fajitas, listening to corridos, and wearing Mexican sombreros.

However, most only a little about what really happened on May 5, a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.

If you're curious to learn more about Cinco de Mayo or want to explain it to your children, AL DÍA News has five books to help: 

1. Betty Celebrates Cinco De Mayo, by I.K. Rose 

To learn about Mexican heritage, go to the fiesta and explore Mexican food, music, and dancing. Follow the whole series of Betty Cottonball books, and discover the beauty of cultural diversity.

2. Cinco de Mayo Book for Beginner Readers, by Ella May Woodman 

Join Flo as she and her Dad learn about the history behind the events celebrated in Mexico and many people in the United States on May 5.

3. Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds

What happens at Nuthatcher Farm when the chickens get tired of the same old chicken feed? The rooster hatches a plan, of course! With a pinch of genius, a dash of resourcefulness, and a little pilfering from the farmer's garden, the chickens whip up a scrumptious snack of chips and salsa. When the rest of the barnyard gets a whiff of the spicy smells and want to join in, it can mean only one thing . . . FIESTA! But when the big day arrives, all their spicy southwestern supplies are gone! It seems that Mr. and Mrs. Nuthatcher have caught on to the flavor craze as well, and the only thing left for the animals to do is to try a new culinary style-ooh la la!

4. Cinco de Mayo by Mary Dodson Wode.

This fact-filled Rookie Read-About Holiday book introduces the youngest readers (Ages 3-6) to Cinco de Mayo. Colorful photos and a simple nonfiction text encourage children to read on their own as they take an in-depth look at the Mexican holiday known as Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates a battle for freedom fought in Mexico in 1861, and describes how it is celebrated today.

5. Marco's Cinco de Mayo by Lisa Bullard.

Marco loves the food, parades, and fun of Cinco de Mayo. This year he's one of the dancers. As he listens to the mariachi music, Marco thinks of the brave Mexicans at the first Cinco de Mayo. Find out the different things people do to celebrate this holiday!

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