The Couturiere Of Galvez
Written by Wanda Dionne

    Hally Carter was only eleven years old when she was kidnapped from a Louisiana plantation and placed on a sailing ship bound for Galveston Island. It was the year the Civil War ended–1865.

    This is Hally’s story, how she learned to sew and became a renowned dressmaker in a period of history when black women seldom had the opportunity to own their own businesses.

    Hally grew up during Galveston’s glory days (the late 1800’s). At one time, the city was the most prosperous port in Texas.

    Like her beloved Galveston which suffered many growing pains (yellow fever epidemics, hurricanes, fires out-of-control), Hally also suffered growing pains. Survival was the key.

    Brought to their knees by the killer storm of 1900, both Galveston and Hally were determined to make a come-back. The story of this exciting time in Galveston’s history will educate, delight and inspire.

Eakin Press
Austin, Texas
ISBN: 1-57168-161-2

REVIEWS:

    “…An interesting love story is woven into the history of Galveston told from a very personal perspective. Hally is a beautiful, light-skinned black heroine who, in a plucky, resourceful manner, faces prejudice, yellow fever, fire, and a hurricane. Wanda Dionne has created a suspenseful volume that will entertain young readers in grades five through ten who are drawn to absorbing history.”

Review of Texas Books
LAMAR UNIVERSITY, Beaumont, Texas

    “The Couteriere of Galvez” is a lively historical novel set in the 19th century in Galveston after the Civil War. Young readers will enjoy this story.”

ROUND ROCK ISD, Round Rock, Texas