Josefina learns a lesson A school story

Gr. 3^-5. The newest American Girls character, Josefina (that's "ho-seh-FEE-nah") Montoya, lives in 1824 on a Mexican rancho near present-day Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although her mother's death the year before still casts a shadow over the household, Josefina and her three sisters find plenty to keep them busy, from the endless chores necessary for running the rancho to the challenges of changing and growing up. In Meet, which is Book One, Josefina finds the courage to take charge of a pesky goat and to ask their father to invite their aunt, Tia Dolores, to stay with them. In Lesson, a flash flood destroys many of their father's sheep, but Tia Dolores teaches the girls to weave rugs, which can be sold to enlarge the depleted flock. When they question whether the changes in their lives will lead them from Mama's ways, Tia Dolores shows them how learning to read will bring them closer to their mother again. Deft storytelling weaves likable characters into a narrative that brings the time and place to life. As do other American Girls books, these end with several pages of illustrated period social history. Unlike the others, Meet includes a glossary of Spanish words used in the text. Spanish editions are planned for a fall release. --Carolyn Phelan

Gr 2-5‘The life of Mexican settlers in New Mexico in 1824 is introduced in two easy-to-read stories. In Meet Josefina, the nine-year-old protagonist deals with the recent death of her mother, begins to incorporate her newly arrived aunt into the family, and overcomes her fear of a goat. Lesson continues the family saga, as Josefina, her three sisters, and her aunt cope with the effects of a flash flood. The characters are engaging, the plotting brisk, and the situations ones to which contemporary girls can relate. Accurate historical data is incorporated painlessly into the stories and fleshed out in "Peek into the Past" sections. Glossaries define the Spanish words used in the texts. Sound additions to a time-tested series.‘Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

n these accessible novels, a girl living in New Mexico in 1824 tries to cope with her mother's death. 'Meet Josefina' tells how Josefina and her sisters, missing Mam 's guidance, decide to ask their aunt, Tía Dolores, to assist them with their duties on the family ranch. In 'Lesson', Dolores demonstrates that learning to read and write can help the sisters remember Mam . Color drawings illustrate the texts. Historical notes included. Glos. From HORN BOOK 1997, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.