Amelina Carrett : Bayou Grand Coeur, Louisiana 1863
Grade 5-8-Written with insight and sensitivity, this entertaining story has a protagonist whose courage and fortitude allow her to overcome the prejudices of the Civil War and help a fellow human being. Amelina has been living with her Nonc Alain since the death of her parents. Though used to being left alone while her uncle is off fishing and trapping, she becomes frightened when she hears gunfire near her Cajun community. The discovery of a wounded Yankee soldier forces her to make a decision between what is right and what is wrong. Succinctly written, this tale has strong characterization and an interesting narrative describing the natural, cultural, and historical aspects of Cajun life in the Louisiana bayou during a volatile period in American history. Amelina's actions are juxtaposed against a marchand's hatred for the Yankees and her uncle's treatment of the war as a way of making money. Amelina is neither ignorant nor naive when it comes to the issue of slavery. She doesn't judge the soldier for fighting and he, in turn, doesn't try to sway her toward his abolitionist views. She offers the man her father's clothing and the pirogue he made her, and he gives her his address so that they may correspond after the war. These symbolic gestures of friendship overshadow the turmoil of the war, creating an enriching tale written from the heart.Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.