Dust from Old Bones

by Sandra Forrester

Author Sandra Forrester, acclaimed for bringing to life little-known aspects of American history, weaves an engrossing tale about a girl of mixed race in nineteenth-century New Orleans. Simone Racine wants only to be like her cousin Claire-Marie, with beautiful ball gowns and a white gentleman in her future who will be her "protector." But as Simone grows from being a self-centered girl to a courageous young woman, she decides to take a tremendous risk, she helps her aunt's slaves escape. This is historical fiction that will captivate young readers.

Genres: Historical Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Sandra Forrester is the author of Sound the Jubilee (Dutton) and My Home Is Over Jordan, both National Council for the Social Studies/Children's Book Council Notable Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies.
She has a master's degree in library and information studies and lives in Alabama.

Reviews

[Miss Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

gr 6-9 162 pgs


1838, New Orleans, LA. 13 year old Simone, a free person of mixed race, has never questioned the rules of New Orleans society and the limitations it places on people based on the color of their skin. When her Aunt Madelon comes to make peace with her dying father, Simone learns more about her family's escape from Haiti and begins to question the fairness of New Orleans society.

Great read! I would recommend this book to readers who enjoyed the American Girls: Cecile and Marie-Grace books when they were younger.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual history fiction for middle grade readers, written as a diary (similar to the Dear America series). Story of a wealthy and privileged mixed race girl in 1830s New Orleans.

[Katrina Mundt · Rating 3 out of 5]

New Orleans 1838