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.

[Anh Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been using my gym’s sauna recently and needed some spine-and-print books to read while I’m there (along with my sand timer!). I decided to take in some YA books that I had lying around the house. I have this particular book in the house because I had a hardback copy of it as a kid. My family was living in Baton Rouge, and Berthe Amoss did a signing event at my brother’s school. My mom attended and bought me both this book and _Secret Lives_, both signed by the author. I read both books over and over again, but like a fool, I lost both copies and had to actually buy this book as a paperback so I could re-read it.

Anyway….this was a good read for a sauna or beach. It is not complicated, but it is a time travel trope that honestly, really didn’t need to be one. The modern day protagonist, Stephanie Martin, is not a particularly well developed character, and the parts with her modern day life are very boring and shallow. She is not a particularly likable character—introverted, yes, but somewhat unfriendly. Her modern day life wraps up a bit too easily, IMO, and the ending that includes her is grossly dissatisfying.

Thankfully, there is more to this book. Stephanie is researching 1830 NOLA for her school project, and ends up going back in time randomly and lives the life of Sidonie Laveau, the daughter of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen. Donie is a much better developed character, and her life is far more fun to read. Her story is a coming of age one, standard storyline of being caught between what you want and what is expected of you from your elders. The characters in this storyline are far better—not just Donie, but Dede, Mere, and Maman, and even Pere Antoine.

The references to landmarks and buildings in 1832 NOLA and present day are nice. NOLA is a great city—rich and full of history and culture. This book is a nice tribute to that, as the author herself lived there. I’d recommend it as a light read for anyone who enjoys YA books and NOLA history.

[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.