Aztec Courage

Join the expedition of explorer, Hernando Cortez and meet Diego Orteguilla, a 14-year old Spanish boy who signs on to sail from Cuba to the land of Mexico. Rumors abound of strange animals, exotic plants and a beautiful, whitewashed city surrounded by water. You will see Diego and the Spanish soldiers fight their first battle in Mexico and learn of the great Aztec empire and the king who rules this empire, Montezuma. Diego meets two young Aztec nobles, Tonacoatl, a prince of Tlacopan, and the brash, Cacamatzin-a prince of Texcoco. Diego also learns about Aztec life through his contact with Chiameca, sister of Tonacoatl. The saga unfolds with Cortez' far-reaching decision to burn his ships, the only means of escape, and march inland to meet the mighty Montezuma and see the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan. Many adventures await the reader as you witness the gigantic clash of cultures and ideas. How will it end? Who will win-the Aztecs, defending their land, or the Spanish conquerors?Al Rocca, is Faculty Advisor for the CalStateTeach program at California State University, Monterey Bay. He is the author of numerous books and articles including a children's series of historical fiction.