Learn About New Orleans With Cécile and Marie-Grace Dolls

American Girl Books by Denise Lewis Patrick

       Cécile Rey is from a rich African American family that originated from New Orleans, Louisiana. She loves listening to her grandfather's tales about the sea. She meets Marie-Grace during one of her singing lessons. At first, she is not fond of her because she is white, but eventually warms up to her and becomes her best friend. When Yellow Fever strikes her brother, she decides to use her gifts to help him and others. Themes include the loss of family and caring for others in need, and volunteering. Cecile speaks French and her French words are described in the glossary in the back of her book. Though Cécile Rey and Marie-Grace are best friends, they shared the same level of importance and a few items in their collection as well as a book, unlike other Best Friend characters. Cecile was also the second African American character made by American Girl. The first being Addy and the third being Melody. Cecile was archived with Marie-Grace, Ivy, and Ruthie in 2014 to make room for BeForever and the return of Samantha.

• Meet Cecile Rey and Marie-Grace Gardner
• Author Denise Lewis Patrick
• Look up the meaning of the name, Cecile

       Marie-Grace Gardner is a girl from New Orleans. Similar to Josefina, her mother died before the events of the series. She makes a friend with Cécile Rey in her first days in New Orleans, although the latter was not interested at first. However, changes are in the air. Soon, Marie-Grace's singing teacher is found sick with yellow fever. Her father, who is a doctor, saves not only the teacher, but others in his aid. She also rescues a baby and forms a close bond with other children. 

• Author Sarah Masters Buckey

New Orleans in 1853:

• The Founding History of New Orleans in Brief
• Louisiana Purchase Purchase Facts for Kids and a page from online.kidsdiscover and another from socialstudiesforkids.com
• War of 1812 form Britannica
• Who Are The French Creole People?
• Louisiana Creole and Cajuns: What's the Difference? Race, Ethnicity, History and Genetics
• Legendary Cities: New Orleans and It's French Heritage - documentary
• Free People of Color in Louisiana
• 1855: Free people of color flourished in antebellum New Orleans

Yellow Fever Epidemic:

• Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1853
• History of yellow fever
• What is Yellow Fever? and World Health Organization
• Orleans Parish, Louisiana: The Epidemic Summer: List of Interments in 1853 Yellow Fever Epidemic

Orphans In America, 1853:

• The Origins of Adoption in America
• Asylums: Homes of Refuge: Orphanages for Colored Children

Mardi Gras for Kids:

• Our Mardi Gras & Carnival Coloring Pages - for kids!
• Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans
• The Children's Mardi Gras Ball - 2019 and Tiana's Mardi Gras Celebration
• Easter & Lenten Clip Art - From my collections of clip art; use them in lapbooks, journals etc...

Pet Parrots:

• Meet The Majestic Blue and Gold Macaw - watch end of video to see and learn
• Don't buy a macaw unless...
• Why are wild parrots disappearing in Miami?

New Orleans in The New Century:

• Tourist Talk: The Best of New Orleans and The French Quarter by Jumping Places and Legendary Cities: New Orleans and It's French Heritage
• Hurricane Katrina Disaster and Children of The Storm, Hurricane Katrina by Jim Powell
• New Orleans, 10 Years After Katrina - New York Times
• St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans

Fan Videos for Cécile Rey and Marie-Grace Gardner:

• American Girl Celebrates Black History Month - Addy and Cecile dolls
• Marie-Grace and Cecile Banquet Table Reveal
• Photos from a Cecile & Marie Grace Mardi Gras Ball
• American Girl Item Review: Cecile's Parrot and Games (Retired)
• Cecile's Summer Dress

Books About Cécile Rey and Marie-Grace Gardner:

• Meet Marie Grace
• Meet Cecile
• Marie-Grace and the Orphans
• Troubles for Cecile
• Mare-Grace Makes a Difference
• The Hidden Gold
• The Cameo Necklace
• The Haunted Opera

Advanced Reading: Historical Fiction

• Look to the Hills: The Diary of Lozette Moreau, a French slave Girl by Patricia C. McKissack