Meet Josefina An American girl

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.

In 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.

The new American Girl on the block is Josefina Montoya, a Mexican girl living on a rancho near Santa Fe in 1824. Josefina's mother has died, and she and her three sisters are struggling to help their father run the rancho without her. The arrival of their aunt from Mexico City brings new affection into their lives, and, for Josefina, the special gift of music, for T¡a Dolores has brought along her piano. This well-researched novel includes the usual ``Peek into the Past'' section that provides a historical context for the story, as well as a glossary of Spanish words. Tripp writes in an undemanding style, with a less dynamic heroine, and a more predictable plot than other titles in the series; still, a familiar format and readers' brand loyalty mean this book will find a ready and eager audience. (Fiction. 7-10)