The Diary of Marie Landry

During the Great Upheaval of 1755, the British forced the Acadians to leave their homes in the Canadian Provinces. Fourteen-year-old Marie Landry and her family thought they had found a new home in Maryland, but ten years after the Great Upheaval, they must join a mass exodus to Louisiana where land awaits them. In this heartfelt collection of diary entries, Marie documents her journey. Beginning with Marie's fourteenth birthday when she received the diary, eleven chapters of this historical fiction document her exile with the Acadians following their expulsion by the British. Marie reminisces about her family traditions in Maryland and recalls the illness she experienced while sailing aboard the Elizabeth in the Atlantic Ocean. After reaching the Mississippi River, Marie expresses the excitement she felt the first time she saw the waterway and tasted Creole food. Marie also conveys the feelings of joy and sadness that she experienced throughout the journey. In addition to a historical note, the book provides an accurate description of Cajun culture and illustrations of Marie en route to Louisiana.