Rutabaga's Reads 2015: Part 1

These stories regard an American Girl historical character re-branded in their BeForever line.* I would like potential purchasers of the BeForever line of books to be aware, if they’re not already, that the first two books in each doll’s “new” collection are the original six in a now-condensed form. So, if you’re worried about missing out on new material, you aren’t with the first two books. If the line comes with a third book, that one will contain any new content.

Sunlight and Shadows: A Josefina Classic 1 (Aug. 28, 2014) by Valerie Tripp.

The Montoya family has been reeling. Josefina and her older sisters – Ana, Francisca and Clara – have been trying to care for their family’s rancho just as their mother did. They each harbor grief in their hearts and worry that with the passing of days, so too do their memories of Mamá. This worry is intensified when their abuelito brings their Tía Dolores to them. Josefina has never met her, as she was not yet born the last time Dolores visited from Mexico City. Josefina’s papá invites Tía Dolores to stay with them in order to teach the girls and help the rancho, which struggles when a torrential rain floods the area, taking with it crops that their village friends depend on and hundreds of the Montoyas’ sheep. As Dolores steps in, the girls wonder if her ways will chase away their memories of Mamá.

            It has been awhile since I’ve read the six books in Josefina’s collection, but I still recalled much of the stories. This first volume covers the first three books: “Meet Josefina,” “Josefina Learns a Lesson” and “Josefina’s Surprise.” Ultimately, I prefer the original six-book set, but this is still a nice, slender volume published in chapter book fashion. It hits all of the high points, including the Christmas tradition of Las Posadas. Through the story, the reader understands that Josefina and her sisters will always carry precious memories of their mother, and that their individual talents reflect gifts that their mom held. In knowing that, they find healing and hope for the future.

Second Chances: A Josefina Classic 2 (Aug. 28, 2014) by Valerie Tripp.

To be a curandera is to know how to make medicines from plants and be skilled at healing others. When Josefina asks Tía Magdalena how she’ll know if she’s a healer, her aunt replies, “You’ll know.” She cares for a runty, motherless goat and watches her grow into a healthy “little shadow,” whom she names Sombrita. Josefina and her sisters meet their first americano trader, whom her father is hoping to establish good trading ties with. Things turn shaky, though, when it appears that the americano has cheated them and Tía Dolores makes plans to leave the Montoya family. Josefina is good at finding “the sweet in the sour” and “the light in the dark,” but even a light has its limits. When her heart’s desire is dashed, how can she find hope to heal the heartache and her inner light to drive away the darkness?

            The second volume covers the remaining three books: “Happy Birthday, Josefina!,” “Josefina Saves the Day” and “Changes for Josefina.” The condensed version segues seamlessly so that you don’t really realize that the volume is actually comprised of three books. These volumes are easy-to-read and may be a better option for some than the original six-book set. However, I do miss the family portraits that are included at the very beginning of the original books. Imagination is a great thing, but I have always felt that the pictures were a nice touch to the young chapter books. Still, these are good books to own, for they bring a little history lesson wrapped up in a cute story that’s easy to understand. Plus, young girls will relate to Josefina’s strength of character and youthful spirit more than a plain history lesson of places and dates. In these books there are connections. Connections of family, hope and a brighter, progressive future.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: While I am not required or obligated to read and review these books, I want to disclose that I did receive them at no cost. That was thanks to promotional coupons that were mailed by American Girl to hundreds of thousands of people. All opinions are expressly my own, and I have no connection to American Girl, Mattel or Valerie Tripp.