The upcoming release of "Daufuskie Island Mysteries: The Adventures of Sallie Anne Jenny Lynn" promises to captivate young readers with a tale of friendship, history, and the supernatural. Set on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, a place with a human history dating back to the Paleo-Indian Period (12,000–8,000 BC), the book weaves together the island's Gullah heritage and a haunting mystery centered on an old lighthouse.
The story begins with Captain Samuel Blakeley, who, along with two crew members, survived a devastating hurricane in 1788. Their ship sank off the South Carolina coast, and they washed ashore on Daufuskie Island, barely alive and with no way to return to England. They constructed a lighthouse to serve as both a home and a beacon for passing ships. However, years later, they mysteriously vanished, leaving the lighthouse abandoned and rumored to be haunted.
Fast forward to the 1950s, a new school is built on Daufuskie, where Gullah people have lived since emancipation, engaging in farming, fishing, and weaving. Sallie Anne Sesso, a 12-year-old fifth-generation Gullah girl, meets Jenny Lynn Murphy, the 13-year-old daughter of the new teacher, Miss Frances. Jenny's father, Professor Murphy, is documenting the island's history. Despite their different backgrounds—Sallie Anne's Gullah roots and Jenny's Irish heritage—they form an instant bond over a shared fascination with history, mysteries, and ghostly encounters.
Their curiosity leads them to investigate "The Mystery of the Old Lighthouse." Sallie Anne remarks, "Dat ol' Captn now dah ghost at dat ol' lighthouse," and Jenny Lynn whispers back, "We need to find out why?" Their quest to uncover the truth behind the captain's disappearance forms the heart of the narrative.
The book is co-authored by Jan Ross and Rosy Mae Bateau. Jan Ross, a professional artist in residence on Daufuskie Island, brings her deep knowledge of Gullah history, language, and culture to the project. She studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and continued her education while living in Europe for six years. Her artwork has been exhibited in over 600 juried shows across all 50 states and internationally. Rosy Mae Bateau, a full-time Daufuskie resident, has been writing since her teenage years, drawing inspiration from her rural upbringing and her ongoing study of Gullah culture and island history.
This book is significant not only as an engaging children's story but also as a means to educate young readers about the unique Gullah culture and the historical importance of Daufuskie Island. The island's lack of a bridge has preserved its distinct character, making it a living repository of African American heritage. The authors aim to bring this history to life through the adventures of Sallie Anne and Jenny Lynn, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and historical inquiry.
For more information about the book and the authors, visit www.daufuskiemysteries.com or www.janrosswatercolors.com.
