Customer Reviews

Josefina Learns A Lesson (American Girl)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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)

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.

!~Josefina learns A Lesson~!

I am writing a book called Josefina Learns a Lesson. Its about a girl who likes to read. She likes to write about her family. She has two sisters and two nephews and a dad. She gos to school to learn how to read and write better. She likes to run outside and play with her nephews. She lives in Mexico. I recommend this book to people who like to read and write. The author is Valerie Tripp .The book is from American Girl Collection. Someother characters in the collection are Kirsten, Samantha, Addy, Molly, and Felicity. There are more characters.