Allen B. Ballard

“In Carried By Six, Allen Ballard has created a memorable novel that is a fast paced, page turning story of a black community determined to rid itself of the drug-driven plague of crime and violence….Ballard writes with passion and conviction of the power of ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things when family, friends, and community decide enough is enough. It is a book that entertains , ennobles, and inspires. Bravo Ballard!”
--Darlene Clark Hine, Professor of African American Studies and History, Northwestern University, co-author, The African-American Odyssey.

“Carried By Six is a very well-told story that celebrates the courage of those valiant folks in the inner city who, contrary to the “no snitchin’”code, are determined to fight for neighborhoods where their children can grow up safe and secure from gunfire and random violence. Ballard keeps it real and writes with power and authority. I could hardly put the book down. Neither will you!”
--John Herritage, Staff Inspector (Ret.) New York State Police

“Allen Ballard has done it again! His first novel, Where I’m Bound, was a great epic of the Civil War and this new novel is just as powerful and well-written and will definitely keep the reader engaged. The characters are compelling, ordinary, church-going African-Americans whose faith in God sustains them in their daily struggle to make a decent life for their family, their neighbors, and their communities, This is an uplifting and dramatic piece of writing and I highly recommend it.”
--Lillian Williams, Associate Professor Of African-American Studies, the University of Buffalo.

Here’s what the critics say about it:

“A rousing Civil War novel written in clear, strong prose.”
--Washington Post

“What a terrific story!”
--Prof. Nell Painter, Princeton University

“Marvelous and moving.”
--John A. Williams, author

“A powerful and gripping epic about the African-American military experience in the Civil War.”
--Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

“A vivid, fast-paced, and poignant novel.”
--The Schenectady Gazette

Chosen as a "Notable Book of the Year" by the Washington Post, 2000.