Josefina and her sisters distrust learning to read and write, as well as other changes their Tía Dolores is bringing to the household, because they fear they will lose their memories of their mother.

Nine-year-old Josefina, the youngest of four sisters living in New Mexico in 1824, tries to help run the household after her mother dies.

Includes ideas and instructions for party decorations, foods, favors, and games reflecting the worlds of each of the six American Girls: Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha, and Molly.

When Tía Dolores, the beloved aunt who has cared for the Montoya family since the death of their mother, announces that she is planning to leave, Josefina and her sisters try to find a way to change her mind.

Josefina hopes to become a "curandera" or healer like Tía Magdalena, and she is tested just before her tenth birthday when a friend receives a potentially fatal snakebite.

In 1825 when Josefina trusts a trader in Santa Fe with an important deal, she makes a surprising discovery about this young American who leaves town without paying her.

Provides information about life on a ranch in nineteenth century New Mexico and instructions for a variety of related craft projects.

Addy's new life in Philadelphia in the late 1860s continues to hold surprises, as she competes in a kite festival and her teacher recommends her for the Institute for Colored Youth. Includes informational pages about the Institute for Colored Youth and how to make a kite.

Molly feels that everything in her life has changed when her father goes off to England to help wounded soldiers and her beloved aunt joins the Women's Airforce Service Pilots. Includes a section on women pilots in the armed services, and a project related to the story.

When her friend Nellie, the servant girl from next door, does not show up for ice skating as usual, Samantha is afraid that Nellie will not come to her party because she cannot afford to bring presents. Includes a section on ice skating in the early 1900s.