His Heart’s Desire

Andy Belton has a secret…

“His Heart’s Desire” is a short story about a boy who wants a doll. First published in the Chicago Daily News in 1900, it was written by Alice Dunbar-Nelson, inspired by her work teaching Black kindergarteners at the White Rose Mission in New York City in 1897 and 1898. 

This beautifully crafted story about boys and toys is funny and serious at the same time. It raises some great questions about what boys are allowed to want and how boys are expected to behave.

From this page, you can access the full story, get started with an overview of the plot and characters, access educator resources designed to deepen the reading experience, or listen to the story.

Welcome to the world of the White Rose Mission!