Josefina Learns A Lesson (American Girl) [Paperback]

Valerie Tripp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997 | Age Level: 8 and up | Series: American Girl

Josefina is delighted when T'a Dolores returns to the Montoyas' rancho. But soon after she arrives, a flash flood kills hundreds of the family's sheep. T'a Dolores suggests that the Montoyas could recover from this terrible loss by starting a weaving business--something Mamá never would have done. But Papá likes the idea. Then T'a Dolores decides to teach the girls how to read. Mamá didn't read, but Josefina is excited to learn. Then she begins to worry. Will all these changes make the girls forget Mamá?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: American Girl (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562475177
• ISBN-13: 978-1562475178
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #722,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The latest story about Josefina, the newest American Girl!, September 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Josefina Learns A Lesson (American Girl) (Paperback)

Nine year old Josefina Montoya is growing up on a
rancho in New Mexico in 1824. When Josefina's Tia
Dolores comes to visit to Montoyas, Josefina learns
about a world beyond the rancho-a world of elegance.
But Josefina and her sisters begin to worry that
Tia Dolores will replace Mama, who died last year.
And then disaster strikes. The Montoyas lose most
of their sheep in a terrible flood. Tia Dolores
comes to the rescue with the suggestion that
the Montoyas weave blankets to sell so that they
can get new sheep. But more and more, Josefina
and her sisters begin to believe that all the
new ideas their aunt has brought will make them
forget all that Mama taught them.
Then, Tia Dolores begins to teach the girls to read
and write. Mama couldn't read and write, and Josefina
and her sisters aren't sure she'd approve. More and
more, Josefina must face many changes-both good and bad.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You can read it over and over and its interesting every time, October 13, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Josefina Learns a Lesson: A School Story (American Girls Collection) (Turtleback)

I like that there is a glossary of Spanish words at the end of the book, because I know that if I ever go to Mexico, I will know how to say thank-you and stuff like that (gracias). The idea of a maid teaching Josephina and Josephina being so eager to learn makes me stunned. I think that you will very much enjoy the pictures, as I did. I did not recognize the dyes that the girls used to dye the wool, but from the pictures I understood that they were very beautiful. (Carmelle, Age 8)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story, September 13, 2002

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Josefina Learns A Lesson (American Girl) (Paperback)

This is another one of the American Girls series about Josefina Montoya, a nine-year-old girl (almost ten!) living in the New Mexico of 1824. When a flashflood brings disaster to her father's rancho, Josefina's aunt Dolores suggests that they begin weaving blankets that they can trade. Josefina throws herself into the work, eager to help the family, but one of her sisters is holding back, and Josefina needs to find out why.

The final chapter of this wonderful book is a highly informative look at schooling in New Mexico in 1824. Jean-Paul Tibbles' illustrations are nothing short of excellent, and add so much to this wonderful story.

This is another of the excellent stories that American Girls presents. This one also has a fine lesson, while the story is highly entertaining. Also, I do enjoy the way the author has realistically woven Josefina's religion into her daily life; religion is something lacking in most American Girls stories. My eleven-year-old daughter and I read this book together; we both enjoyed it, and we both recommend it to you.