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Josefina Montoya,
an American Girl growing up in New Mexico in 1824
Descriptions of the six books about Josefina
in the American Girls Series are provided at the links shown
below. These stories tell about a girl growing up on her familys'
rancho near Santa Fe, new Mexico in 1824 - the great Southwest
frontier of American. The books are beautifully illustrated.
At the back of each book is a "A Peek into the Past"
that includes photos, drawings, and sketches about people, places
and things during this period of American History that relate
to the specific book.
Recommended for Ages 7 and up.
Book
One - "Meet Josefina, An American Girl"
 "Meet Josefina Montoya, an Hispanic girl whose
heart and hopes are as big as the New Mexico sky. Josefina Montoya
is growing up on her family's rancho near Santa Fe, New Mexico,
in 1824. Ever since Mama died a year before, Josefina and her
three sisters have been struggling to carry on without her. One
bright autumn day, happy news arrives - their beloved gradfather
is returning home after a long trading trip. Josefina knows that
he will bring exciting stories and wonderful treasures from his
journey, just as he always does. But this time he brings something
more - a great surprise that Josefina and her sisters never even
dreamed of!"
8.5 x 6 inches, 85 pages
Book
Two - "Josefina Learns a Lesson, A School Story"
 "When Tia Dolores returns to the Montoyas'
rancho, Josefina is delighted. But soon after she arrives, a
flash flood kills hundreds of the family's sheep. Tia Dolores
suggests that the Montoyas could recover from this terrible loss
by starting a weaving business - something Mama never would have
done. But Papa likes the idea, and Josefina learns to weave.
Then Tia Dolores decides to teach the girls how to read. Mama
didn't read, but Josefina is excited to learn. Then she begins
the worry. Will all these changes make the girls forget Mama?
The answer to Josefina's question comes in an unexpected way
- and teaches her an important lesson about love."
8.5 x 6 inches, 70 pages
Book
Three - "Josefina's Surprise, A Christmas Story"
 "Josefina hopes her family will have a happy
Christmas, even though she knows they will miss Mama. When they
discover that the treasured Christmas altar cloth Mama embrodered
has been badly damaged, she and her sisters are heartbroken.
Josefina's hopes for a happy Christmas fade, but Tia Dolores
finds a way to help the sister's hearts begin to mend. Then ,
on the nine nights before Christmas, the whole village gathers
to celebrate the beautiful Christmas tradition called Los
Posadas. Surrounded by her friends and neighbors, Josefina
finds that memories can bring comfort and courage. Christmas
Eve is filled with love -- and surprises that make Josefina's
heart sing."
8.5 x 6 inches, 69 pages
Book
Four - "Happy Birthday Josefina!, A Springtime Story"
 "Josefina is pleased and proud when her godmother,
Tia Magdalena, asks for her help with springtime chores. Tia
Magdalena is a respected healer in the village, and Josefina
hopes very much to become a healer just like her someday. Then
one afternoon at Tia Magdalena's house, while helping her godmother,
Josefina makes an awful mistake that shatters her hopes. She's
sure Tia Magdalena will never teach her now! But when Josefina
visits her Pueblo Indian friend Mariana, a terrifying adventure
shows her just how much she's already learned - and teaches her
something important about herself. Josefina's birthday becomes
a celebration of bravery, hope - and second chances."
8.5 x 6 inches, 69 pages
Book
Five - "Josefina Saves the Day, A Summer Story"
 "Josefina's family is in Santa Fe to make
a trade that will affect the future of their rancho. An American
wagon train will arrive any day, and Josefina can't wait to get
her first look at American traders and the things they sell.
Before the wagon train even arrives, Josefina meets a scout named
Patrick. Though his American manners seem strange to her, she
can't help liking him. When Papa trusts Patrick with the family's
trade, Josefina decides to trust him with a trade of her own.
But Patrick leaves town without paying Papa or Josefina! It seems
he's betrayed them both - until, late one night, Josefina makes
a surprising discovery. Can she use it to save the day."
8.5 x 6 inches, 69 pages
Book
Six - "Changes for Josefina, A Winter Story"
 "To celebrate the end of the Christmas season,
the Montoyas hold a party for all their friends and neighbors.
Josefina and her sisters handle the preparations beautifully,
and the party is a great success. But the girls' pleasure turns
to shock the next morning, when Tia Dolores announces that she's
leaving the rancho. Josfina and her sisters are sure Tia Dolores
belongs with them and Papa, but their efforts to convince her
only make matters worse. Then, one bitterly cold day, something
unexpected gives Tia Dolores a change of heart. Her decision
brings changes for Josefina and the whole family!"
8.5 x 6 inches, 70 pages
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