Description
Belle, an 11-year-old Metis girl, and Sarah both want the coveted job of church bell ringer.
An embroidery contest is held to award the position, and Sarah cheats. Before Belle can expose her, the two are caught up in the advancing forces of General Middleton and his troops as they surround Batoche in the 1885 Riel Rebellion. The church bell disappeared that day and remains missing to this day.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- , Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Award
- Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
Editorial Reviews
"The book is both satisfying storytelling as well as a terrific history lesson."
— CD Syndicated
"For many readers, Belle will serve as a role model with her bravery in the face of danger, her determination to succeed and her loyalty to family and friends. Readers will leave this book hoping for a sequel."
— CM Magazine
"This book can be a starting point for a more in-depth look at the Metis settlement and the struggle which ensued or it can be read just for enjoyment."
— Resource Links
"An extremely fine work of historical fiction."
"Highly recommended."
— Canadian Book Review Annual
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Annotations
Librarian review
Belle of Batoche
Belle is a young, day-dreaming Métis girl who lives with her family in the Métis settlement of Batoche. Her father and brother make their living by hauling freight with large wooden Red River carts. It is 1885 and most of the people in their community support Louis Riel and Gabrielle Dumont in their upcoming battle against the massive Canadian government forces. Belle and her spoiled, non-Métis rival Sarah compete to become the special ringer of the village’s beautiful new silver church bell. Shortly afterwards, Belle discovers that Sarah cheated to win. When the war breaks out, the bell is threatened and the two bitter opponents are thrown together in a life-or-death struggle to save their families. Based on historical fact, the story brings alive Métis culture, geography and history.
This book is one of the Orca Young Reader series and a Teacher’s Guide is available from the publisher. The author is Métis and lives in the foothills of Alberta.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2007-2008.
