AR: 4.1

While this was somewhat refreshing after the Felicity books, I feel like there is already a presage of the same important topics being neglected, such as what exactly is the status of these workers ("workers"? I really don't know) on the family's rancho. Why is it that Josefina's family has a rancho and others work on it instead of having their own? While I appreciate the diverse background and a historical story that isn't told so often, I hope this series will be more than just another rich American Girl.

The story itself was a bit boring, but it had a lot of work to do in only ~60 pages. It basically introduces us to Josefina's family, including her multitude of sisters, and their way of life on a rancho outside of Sante Fe when it was still part of Mexico. Their mother died shortly before the book starts, so I feel this has potential to tackle more serious subjects than the Felicity books did.

What's really sad and enlightening for me is that, as a woman in my 30s now rereading these, I am checking out the dads in the illustrations. God help me when I start checking out the grandpas. ( )

Age: 8+ years old

The story of a girl living in 1824.

9-year-old Josephina tries to run the household after her mother dies. Spanish language.