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Salma Calderon

Characters: Maria Roselia (Native American Girl), Domingo (Maria Roselia's brother)The Medina Family a wealthy Spanish family, and Mr. Johnston an American settler from Missouri, he is a store owner.

Setting: San Fransico Bay and Sonoma Valley, Alta California 1846

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme:California History, Orphans, Household, Employee Relations, and Mixed Races

Audience: Middle School Students to Adults (Girls)

Summary: Maria Roselia (13 yr old) keeps a daily diary about her daily interactions with the Medina family who she worked for. She makes observations about the behavior of Americans, Mexican (Californianos), and Native Americans. Maria Roselia learned to write and read at Mission San Rafael where Fater Ygnacio took her and her brother after their mother died. Maria Roselia does not know who her father is. She learned Spanish and was given a catholic name during her time at Mission San Rafael. Without noticing she lost her native american customs. she learns to interact with everyone around her and understood her role in society. She does not like Miguela the oldest Medina sister because she thinks she is a snob. Maria Roselia learns to develop a good relationship with Mr. Johnson an American Settler from Missuori who owns a store.

Curriculum ties: California History-Students can learn about the lifestyle of Californians during 1846.

Personal response: This collection narrates the experience on a Native American girl who is living in California before it becomes a US state. This book can help students understand the early population of California and understand the diversity of the state.