This study reviewed six history textbooks widely used in grades 7-12 across the U.S. Using a story-line analysis, the findings of this study suggest: (1) textbooks reinforce negative stereotypes of Latin Americans as lazy, passive, irresponsible, and, somewhat paradoxically, lustful, animalistic and violent; (2) the method of description employed was the use of subtle or not-so-subtle adjectives, adverbs and parenthetical comments of derision; and (3) when Latin America and Latin Americans are included in the text, the usual role is through conflict, either the Mexican-American War or the Spanish-American War. The study contends that textbooks can be a useful resource but that a balance of presentation must be maintained. Contains 21 references and a list of 9 textbooks reviewed. (EH)