The Ballad of Belle Dorcas

by William H. Hooks, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

In this mesmerizing African-American tale, a beautiful free-issue girl, Belle Dorcas, seeks out a conjure woman to concoct a spell that will prevent her husband from being sold and sent away by their master.  A "first-rate piece of storytelling"--(starred review) Booklist.  

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Folk Tales

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Director of Publications at Bank Street College of Education

He collects folklore and lives in New York City

Reviews

[Meredith Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ballad of Belle Dorcas was intriguing and informative, (especially about the culture of the cunger, (or conjure), individuals in the SOuth. I gave the book three stars because I did not care for how the heroine was portrayed. I did like the theme of "losing someone yu love in order to keep them". The writing was good as was the clever way the story handled the theme of love. I think this would be a fascinating story to expand into a novel. I might have to look and see if the story's in the Public Domain! Ha!
One Issue: The book is centered around the relationship between a "Free-Issue" woman and a slave. This theme is a bit heavy for a picture book, I would think, so maybe very young children might be confused. However, the theme is handled tastefully.
God bless and happy reading.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle Dorcas is a young free-issue woman who falls in love with and marries a slave. When the new master intends to sell her husband, Belle goes to a conjure woman for a spell and gets a spell that will let her keep him by giving him up, as the conjure woman says. This is a picture book -- but not really for the preschool picture book audience. In fact, I think it is best for adults. That said, the gorgeous illustrations greatly enhance the tale.

[Courtney Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is gorgeous, in writing and illustration. Stunning! Picture book.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it was a bit longer

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a picture book, not only being long for that and having supernatural elements set among slavery. Could be good for early chapter readers wanting something a little spooky.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the fine quality of the illustrations that fit the text so well. I liked the initial author note with explanations of terms like conjure tale (conjurers cast spells) and free-issue (children of slave masters and slave women, who were given their freedom at birth, neither slaves nor full-fledged citizens).

Sensitive readers: Slightly scary with a happy ending.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique tale with a unique style of illustrations.