Module 13 Book - Graphic Novels and Series Books - Josefina: Story Collection

Josefina: Story Collection / An American Girl

written by Valerie Tripp



Bibliography

Tripp, V., & Tibbles, J.-P. (2008). American Girl: Josefina: Story collection. Middleton, WI: American Girl. (Original work published 2001) ISBN--13: 9781593694531

Brief Summary

Josefina: Story Collection is a six book series about Josefina, the youngest of four Montoya girls who live in New Mexico in the early 1800s. After the girls’ mother dies, her sister Dolores comes to live with them on the rancho. Although the day to day life was difficult at times, such as the time a flood took most of the sheep on the rancho, Josefina’s sunny personality helps to give a positive spin to most any challenge. Josefina plays the part of Mary in a special celebration at Christmas when another young girl becomes ill. She becomes skilled at weaving rugs to trade for a new flock of sheep to replace the ones lost to the flood. Josefina also learns to read and write, which was uncommon for females during the 1820s. Finally, she is instrumental in her papa’s marriage proposal to her Tia Dolores which thrills the entire family.

My Impressions

I took great pleasure in reading Josefina Story Collection, an American Girl Series collection. The setting for the series is New Mexico during the early 1800s. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, possibly due to the fact that I was born in NM. I also relished the historical information in the “Looking Back” section as well as the “Glossary of Spanish Words.” The character building process of the protagonists throughout the series added depth to the storyline.

Reviews

“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)”

-- Kirkus Reviews (1997)
Kirkus Associates, LP.

“The life of Mexican settlers in New Mexico in 1824 is introduced in two easy-to-read stories….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…Grade 2-5.”

-- School Library Journal (1997)

Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Suggestions for Library Use

Bowker’s mentions that the book is for grades 2 and up; the reviews mainly suggest 2^nd-5^th grades. However, I would recommend this series to my 6^th grade female students even though it may be a bit young for them. The historical novel is a fresh look at a culture not commonly mentioned in US history. I do not think the male students would appreciate the all girl cast of characters.