Labels

Josefina Learns a Lesson (American Girl: Josefina #2) by Valerie Tripp

 

Summary (from the publisher): Josefina and her sisters distrust learning to read and write, as well as other changes their Tia Dolores is bringing to the household, because they fear they will lose their memories of their mother. This description may be from another edition of this product.

Review: In this second book in the series, Josefina and her three older sisters are delighted that Tia Dolores has returned for a stay. However, they begin to be concerned at all the changes their aunt begins to implement, because they fear it will cause them to feel more distant from their late mother. Meanwhile, the family's rancho's security is threatened by flash flooding, and everyone must pitch in to help recover lost revenue. 

I enjoyed this book. I feel so sad for Josefina and her sisters for having lost their mother so young and am happy they have the opportunity to get to know their mother's sister. I do feel like, unlike other American Girl books, Josefina is more removed from a lot of the action, making this book feel somewhat less eventful. Josefina is mostly at home, weaving and contemplating learning to read. Hardly the exploits of other girls, like Kristen finding dead bodies in caves or Felicity stealing a horse in the dead of night from its abusive owner. But, on the other hand, Josefina's story is more realistic and historically accurate. 

I do think this book helped my daughters learn a good bit about early life in New Mexico in the 1820s and what it would have been like growing up in that period. Many people didn't know how to read, like Josefina. Their lives were relatively isolated to their home, with infrequent visits to the closest town. They had a lot of questions about the Spanish vocabulary, clothing, and the style of house Josefina lives in while we were reading this together. I love getting to introduce them to some history through reading these entertaining books. 

Stars: 4

Related Titles: 



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts