Juan Seguin (Texas Heroes For Young Readers)

Despite having been forced to flee to Mexico and die in obscurity, Tejano Juan Seguin is now recognized as a Texas hero. From his family's early support of settlers such as Stephen F. Austin to his years in the Texas Senate and as mayor of Bexar, this biography celebrates the life of Juan Seguin and his heroic efforts in securing Texas's independence. When the fight for a separate state began, Juan recruited a company of Mexican ranchers and joined the Texans in battle. Despite having ultimately risen to lieutenant colonel after the Battle of San Jacinto and his three-term service in the Texas Senate, American newcomers to San Antonio-who held themselves above the native families-branded him a Mexican sympathizer and, fearing for his life, he fled to Mexico. This complete biography not only tells of an extraordinary Texas hero, but also inspires children to go beyond societal expectations to fight for their beliefs.