What Others are Saying

An author in the classroom

Thursday, December 02, 2004 By DEANNA BURKETT
Correspondent

Long before Anne Chancey Dalton began her 26-year teaching career, she was thinking about writing "Massacre Island."

"When I started thinking about this book, I was 12 years old," she told her young audience at Calcedeaver Elementary School in north Mobile County. "I was in the sixth grade," she said, "and I thought I'd like to write a book about the colonists who came to this country and became friends with the Native Americans."  (more)

 

Writer and educator Anne Chancey Dalton bases her new book on characters and events from Alabama’s early French history. Massacre Island (Black Swans Books, 2002) tells the story of 12-year-old Nicolas La Salle and his family as they sail to La Louisiane, or French Louisiana. Arriving in Pensacola in 1701, Nicolas and his family move to Massacre Island, present-day Dauphin Island, to help build and manage the supply base that will support La Mobile. Dalton is a gifted historian and storyteller. Through her books and her performances, she makes good on her commitment to re-create a rich and fascinating period of Alabama history. Massacre Island is appropriate for ages 8 and up. Dalton is available both as a writer and a storyteller for school and library programs.
-  The Journal of the Alabama Writer’s Forum First Draft
   (Vol. 9, NO. 3  Winter 2003) p.17
 

"I've seen five of Ms. Dalton's presentations with audiences ranging from ten to several hundred. They were equally inspiring."
-  Andrew Baguley, Southampton, England

"Thomas Jefferson came alive for the students at my school with Mrs. Dalton's presentation of Betty Randolph."
- Marcia Nowlin, Principal, Century Elementary, Century, FL

"Mrs. Dalton definitely kept the attention of my eighth graders with her costume and hands-on activities. I highly recommend her presentations on Colonial America."
- Ruth Howell, Central Baldwin Middle School, Robertsdale, AL

"My kindergartners were thrilled when Mrs. Dalton brought her pet stuffed dog, Guard, to our classroom and told stories."
- Patty Brittenham, Pons' Child Development Center, Panama City, FL

 

HURRAH FOR MASSACRE ISLAND

"I read it way past my bedtime. I couldn’t put it down."
Holly, Age: 9
Nashville, TN

"This book is packed with action and adventure."
Jesse, Age: 13
Madison, AL

"I like Massacre Island. It’s a good book. I’m on Chapter 10, and so far it’s been so interesting I can’t put it down. I started it yesterday on my way home from school. Once I opened it, I didn’t want to close it."
Aline Second grader – St. Mary School
Mobile, AL

"I’ve read Massacre Island three times. It’s a great book!"
Alyssa, Age: 12
Panama City, FL

Quotes from 3 Generations:

"A very fun and exciting book. I can't wait for the next one."
Daniel, (12 when read the book) Montgomery, AL

"Massacre Island was the first book that my son read just for fun. He was
12 at the time and loved it. It's too bad that Massacre Island is still the
only book he has ever read just for fun. It is time for a new one, Anne."
Marrianne, mother of a 14 year old boy.

" As a grandmother, I loved reading Massacre Island, and bought a copy for my
grandsons. They all loved it too, but it was fun to see my middle grandson
reading just for fun. He enjoyed the book so much, we donated a copy to his
school library. We all await Anne Dalton's next book."
Annella, grandmother of 3 boys.

“Our students and faculty thoroughly enjoyed your performances. They kept
commenting on the artifacts. Massacre Island is going to be a hit with our
students!”
Laura Kaylor, Media Specialist
Helena Intermediate School Helena, AL
 

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