Publisher Description

Born in 1812, free woman of color Henriette Delille resisted her family's efforts to steer her toward a traditional life as the mistress of a white man. Instead she pursued a calling to care for slaves, the sick, and the poor, and established a religious community for women of color. As a result of her work, she is the first African-American candidate for canonization. This middle-reader historical novel offers a fascinating glimpse into her life and into the history and unique culture of the free people of color in New Orleans.

Back Cover

"In this fictionalized biography of Henriette Delille we follow her life from childhood to adult awareness, concern for the downtrodden, and the founding of a religious order of nuns. Her story illuminates the Crescent City in an earlier era and the life and contributions of a unique woman." -Jack Belsom, historian and archivist, New Orleans Opera Association "The best heroes are unlikely heroes. This life of Mother Henriette Delille, free woman of color, is sure to inspire young readers and adults alike. Readers of all ages will love this story of a life of heroic virtue-loving and helping thy neighbor."-Franioise Rodary, author, Nos Enfants en Otage "Told with grace and rich in evocative details, the story of Henriette Delille comes to life, vividly revealing the difficulties and struggles she had to overcome to fulfill her calling. She rebelled against her family's wishes, society's disapproval, and civil authority as she worked to care for the poor and elderly and teach the children of slaves. Wonderful!" -Carrel Muller Gueringer, regional advisor, Louisiana Chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators "Evoking the French language and culture of nineteenth-century New Orleans, this story captures the spirit of Henriette Delille, a woman intent on changing the status of the poor and the enslaved. Besides presenting Henriette's personal struggles, the authors have conjured up the troubled atmosphere of a city that is still beloved by many. This narrative plays out like a finely tuned harmonious score." -Peter S. Rogers, author, The Mystery Play in Madame Bovary: Moeurs de province

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Set in the New Orleans French Quarter during the nineteenth century, this fictional biography follows the spiritual journey of Henriette Delille, a strong-willed free woman of color who founded the Sisters of the Holy Family. The story begins in 1823 when Henriette is ten years old. Though dazzled by the opulence of quadroon balls and affluent New Orleans society, she dedicates her life to helping the less fortunate, especially slaves. Henriette remains steadfast in her desire to live a moral life, despite her family's disapproval. In an attempt to extend her acts of kindness, she organizes a community of women who help her with charitable works. The Sisters of the Holy Family aim to educate slaves, care for the sick, and feed the hungry. During the Civil War, Henriette's health deteriorates; however, she works through her weakness, never wavering from her duty to help others, until she passes away in 1862. Using the unique culture of New Orleans as a backdrop, Henriette Delille: Rebellious Saint provides a glimpse into such customs as the plaiage system, voodoo practices, and the culture clash between Americans and the French and Spanish. The text is interspersed with French phrases, offering an authentic feel to this engaging story of a young woman whose acts set her on the path to sainthood.

Author Biography

Elsie B. Martinez graduated from Newcomb College, where she wrote for the university newspaper, Hullabaloo. In addition to authoring numerous books, she has contributed articles to the Times-Picayune. Martinez is a Friend of the New Orleans Museum of Art and lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. Colette H. Stelly is the former foreign language department head of Isidore Newman School where she initiated the Advanced Placement French program. In addition to serving as a member of the Academic Advisory Committee for Educational Testing Service, she was a past president of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French and a member of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. She resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. Phyllis Reppel's designs have received numerous awards. Children's Hospital was awarded the Best of Show in Graphic Design for Sugarplum Ball invitation, which was designed by Reppel. She lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Long Description

Beginning in 1812, this biography follows the life of Henriette Delille, a free woman of color who founded the Sisters of the Holy Family. This examination recounts her spiritual journey and struggle to break free from French Quarter society, despite her family's protests. Instead, she chose to focus on the needs of the less fortunate, teaching such principles as chastity and obedience, until her death in 1862. Today the Catholic Church is considering the Venerable Henriette Delille for sainthood, making her the first African American in North America to receive such an honor. Her story provides a glimpse of what life was like in the French Quarter during the nineteenth century and offers enlightenment on voodoo traditions and the plaiage system.

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