Two authors have released a new children's book that delves into the mysterious history of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, a place with a past stretching back to the Paleo-Indian Period (12,000–8,000 BC) and no bridge to the mainland. The book, titled "Daufuskie Island Mysteries: The Adventures of Sallie Anne Jenny Lynn on Daufuskie Island," is written by Jan Ross and Rosy Mae Bateau, both of whom have deep ties to the island.
The story centers on 12-year-old Sallie Anne Sesso, a fifth-generation Gullah girl, and 13-year-old Jenny Lynn Murphy, the daughter of the island's schoolteacher. The two girls form an unlikely friendship despite their different backgrounds—Sallie Anne's Gullah heritage and Jenny Lynn's Irish ancestry. Their shared fascination with history, mysteries, and ghostly encounters leads them to investigate the old lighthouse, a landmark that has been abandoned and rumored to be haunted since the mysterious disappearance of its keeper, Captain Samuel Blakeley, in the late 18th century.
According to the book's plot, Captain Blakeley and two crew members survived a hurricane in 1788 and washed ashore on Daufuskie Island. They built a lighthouse to guide ships but later vanished, leaving the structure to fall into disrepair and become the subject of local ghost stories. The girls' quest to uncover the truth behind the captain's disappearance forms the heart of the narrative, blending elements of adventure and regional folklore.
The authors bring unique perspectives to the project. Jan Ross is a professional artist in residence on Daufuskie Island and an avid student of Gullah history, language, and culture. She studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and has exhibited her work in more than 600 juried shows across all 50 states and several foreign countries. Rosy Mae Bateau, who lives full time on the island, began writing as a teenager and has a strong interest in the Gullah culture and island history. Her rural upbringing, where friendships formed quickly among a small group of kids, inspired the dynamic between the two protagonists.
The book is significant because it highlights the Gullah people's enduring presence on Daufuskie Island, where they have lived since the Civil War as farmers, planters, cattle ranchers, fishermen, and textile weavers. It also underscores the island's historical importance, from its earliest inhabitants to its role in maritime history. By placing a Gullah girl at the center of the story, the book offers young readers a chance to learn about a unique American culture that is often underrepresented in children's literature.
Moreover, the setting itself is a character in the story. Daufuskie Island's isolation—no bridge connects it to the mainland—has preserved its natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an ideal backdrop for tales of mystery and adventure. The authors' decision to set the story in the 1950s, when a new school was built on the island, adds a historical dimension that will resonate with readers interested in the era.
For more information about the book and the authors, visit the official websites at daufuskiemysteries.com and janrosswatercolors.com. The book is expected to appeal to young readers who enjoy mysteries, history, and stories about friendship across cultural divides.
