Meet Josefina (American Girl) [Paperback]

Valerie Tripp (Author), Peg Ross (Editor), Jean Paul Tibbles (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: American Girl

Josefina Montoya is growing up on a rancho near Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1824. Ever since Mamá died a year before, Josefina and her three sisters have been struggling to carry on without her. One bright fall day, happy news arrives--their beloved grandfather is returning home after a long trading trip. Josefina knows that he will bring exciting stories and wonderful treasures from his journey. But this time he brings something more--a great surprise that Josefina and her sisters never even dreamed of!

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.

From Kirkus Reviews

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) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: American Girl (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562475150
• ISBN-13: 978-1562475154
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Daughter's Favorite, December 26, 2003

By 

Gina Martinez (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meet Josefina (American Girl) (Paperback)

This is my daughter's favorite American Girl! This book is the first in a series of 6 about a 9 yr. old Hispanic girl growing up in New Mexicio in the year 1824. In the beginning it shows pictures of Josefina's friends & family. Basically, the series is about how Josefina's family survives on their 'rancho' after their mother dies. The books go into Hispanic culture and history. At the end of the book are photographs of some of the things mentioned in the story, as well as a glossary of spanish words. My 7 yr. old daughter has no problem reading these books by herself.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, August 5, 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: Meet Josefina (American Girl) (Paperback)

This is the first in the American Girls series about Josefina Montoya, a nine-year-old girl living in the New Mexico of 1824. In this book, Josefina and her sisters wait for their grandfather to return from his annual trip to Mexico City. Each girl hopes that he will bring her her heart's desire. However, what Josefina desires is more complicated than what her sisters' desire: she wants her sisters to be at peace and her newly widowed father to be happy again. Can her grandfather bring such gifts? You must read to find out!

The final chapter is a fascinating and highly informative look into life in New Mexico in 1824. All the way through, Jean-Paul Tibbles beautiful illustrations help to make this a wonderful book.

This book is every bit as wonderful as the other American Girls books, and its look at Mexico is quite refreshing. My daughter has only recently begun to read about Josefina, and she loves the stories. I must admit that I love them too. In particular, I liked the fact that the family's religious faith is incorporated into the story. We both highly recommend this book to you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Feel Like I Really Met Josefina, January 8, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Meet Josefina- Hc Book (American Girl) (Hardcover)

Josefina, a Spanish girl, lives in New Mexico with her father and three older sisters. Her story takes place in 1824 New Mexico, on her father's ranch. New Mexico was still a part of Mexico, then. When her mother dies, Josefina and her sisters must struggle to cope until a surprise arrives with her Abuelito's caravan from Mexico City, which gives her hope and a wonderful idea.

The story has a happy ending, and I couldn't wait to read the rest of the books in this series! I recommend this book to any girl who likes excitement and adventure.