The Chalk Cross

by Berthe Amoss

A young girl living in nineteenth century New Orleans struggles between her growing familiarity with voodoo and the precepts of the church. Reprint.

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Born and raised in New Orleans, Berthe Amoss has never stopped writing about her home city. She is the author and illustrator of twenty-eight children's and young adult books. Her picture book The Cajun Gingerbread Boy won a Children's Choice Award and The Chalk Cross was a finalist for the Edgar Allen Poe Award.

Reviews

[Kimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually have a hard time reading books set in Louisiana (New Orleans especially) because as a native, most things make me roll my eyes. Everything Cajun gets emphasized to the point where it doesn't feel natural. However, this wasn't the case with this book, maybe because the author is from Louisiana herself. Also because most of the book was set in the past so she didn't really get the chance to be like MARDI GRAS, GUMBO, BOURBON STREET, GAMBIT, CHER.

I enjoyed the book, although I found myself getting a little bored by the parts set in the modern day. The main character was sort of boring (which I guess is fine because when she was Sidonie, she was very vibrant and had a strong personality), but I just didn't really care about her problems at school and at home. I just wanted to know more about the Laveaus. I wish it just would have been a story about Sidonie and her conflicts rather than have the weird time-traveling hallucination framing device. Time-travel is my least favorite trope.

I felt Stephanie's parts were rushed and resolved too quickly and unrealistically, but luckily the focus is not really on her, so you can rush through those parts just as fast as their plot went. But overall, the book was enjoyable.

[Sara Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what's faster a snail or the time it took me to read the Chalk Cross by: Berthe Amoss! I do want to say I really enjoyed this book though. It's setting New Orleans ( which I love) and the main character Stephanie Martin is going to an art school in New Orleans named Bois. Stephanie loves to draw but as she is drawing a house she gets transported back to 1832 and she is not Stephanie Martin anymore, she is now Marie Laveau daughter SIDONIE!
The Chalk cross deals with voodoo and I am just fascinated by voodoo and ghosts things of that nature. I gave the Chalk Cross 4 out 5 stars only because being an older book it does move along slowly but I would definitely reread and recommend this book if you have any interest in witch craft or New Orleans or even history.

[Philrequardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book has a lot of louisiana history and pretty much reflects my entire world view. my grandmother wrote it.

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a young persons reader book, based somewhat on the life of Marie Leaveau. It jumps around a lot; back & forth between reality and dream state.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sort of interesting in a first person account way but light and simplistic as well. I found I in someones house and read it but I'm glad I didn't spend the money.

[Susan O'connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like book on voodoo then you will love this book. Great storyline about going from past to present....great read

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book with lots of historical context relative to New Orleans past and Voodoo culture. A YA book written by a friend who was kind enough to give me a signed copy made out to me.