Benito Juárez

Hello! My name is Benito Juárez. When I was a little boy, I lived in a small village called San Pablo Guelatao. It was in the beautiful mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. I was a Zapotec boy, and I loved my home. I didn't have a mommy or daddy, but I learned to be strong. I helped take care of sheep in the fields. It was very quiet there, but I dreamed of learning big things.

When I was 12 years old, in the year 1818, I walked to the big city of Oaxaca. I wanted to go to school because I wanted to learn. I did not know how to read or write Spanish, but I wanted to learn more than anything. Learning was hard work, but I studied and studied. I learned about books and laws. I learned how to help people. Learning made me feel happy and strong, like I could do anything to make the world a better place.

I worked very, very hard. When I grew up, I became a leader for my country, Mexico. The people of Mexico chose me to be their president. As president, I wanted to make sure everyone was treated fairly. It did not matter if they were rich or poor. I believed that everyone deserved a chance to learn. I wanted everyone to have a happy life, just like I did.

I lived to be 66 years old and spent my life working for the people of Mexico. Today, people remember me for helping make my country strong and fair. My picture is even on money in Mexico, and many schools and streets are named after me. This helps remind everyone how important it is to work hard and care for others.