Dorothy Perkyns

Dorothy Perkyns was a teacher in England before coming to Canada in 1969. She began writing in the early seventies, contributing many articles to Canadian magazines and broadcasting regularly on CBC Radio. Her work was also published in the United States and in England.

Since 1986, with the publication of her first book, The Mystery of the Hemlock Ravine, Dorothy has established herself as a writer of mystery/adventure novels for young adults. Her books are predominantly set in Nova Scotia and, in addition to their fast-moving plots, are rich in details of many aspects of life in the province. Rachel's Revolution and Signal Across the Sea have meticulously researched historic backgrounds. Several of her books have been approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Education for inclusion on its Authorized List of Learning Materials. Other education authorities have also recommended her work.

Selected List of Publications

Bridget's Black '47. Dundurn Press, 2009. ISBN 978-1-55488-400-1.

This is the story of the spirited thirteen-year-old Bridget Quinlan, whose life is shattered by the Irish potato blight. Forced to leave her home, she faces many perils, losses and deprivations en route ao an eventually happier life in Quebec.

Last Days in Africville. Beach Holme Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0-8878-446-5. (Now published by Dundurn Press)

This is a fictionalised account of one girl's experience as the only home she has ever known is gradually destroyed.

Last Days in Africville has been approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and was a finalist for the Canadian Library Association Children's Book of the Year Award and for the Hackmatack Award. It has also been nominated for the Ontario Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award (in BC), and Saskatchewan's Diamond Willow Award.

     For more information on this book click here.

The Mastodon Mystery: a mystery/adventure novel for upper elementary grades, Hantsport, N.S. Lancelot Press, 1996. ISBN 0-88999-620-2 114 pages.

Finalist in the City of Dartmouth Book and Writing Awards, Fiction Category.
Listed in RESOURCE LINKS' The Year's Best.
Ontario Silver Birch Award official selection.
Highly recommended after evaluation by Winnipeg School Division No.1.

Signal Across the Sea: a historical mystery/adventure novel for young adults, background World War II, northern England and Halifax, N.S. Hantsport, N.S. Lancelot Press, 1994. ISBN 0-88999-547-8 174 pages.

Finalist for Bilson Award.
Finalist for Ann Connor Brimer Award. Our Choice Catalogue.

Peril at Plover Point: a sequel to The Mystery of the Hemlock Ravine. Hantsport, N.S. Lancelot Press, 1991. ISBN 0-88999-486-2 150 pages. Approved by N.S. Dept. of Education. Our Choice Catalogue.

Rachel's Revolution: a historical mystery/adventure novel for young adults, background the American Revolution, 1776, Boston and Halifax. Hantsport, N.S., Lancelot Press, 1988. ISBN 0-88999-408-0 160 pages.

Approved by N.S. Dept. of Education.
Recommended by Saskatchewan Education as Social Studies support material.
Our Choice and Peace and Conflict Resolution Catalogues.
BILSON AWARD WINNER 1989.

The Mystery of the Hemlock Ravine: a mystery/adventure novel for readers aged 8 to 12. Lancelot Press Ltd., 1986. ISBN 0-88999-312-2.

Approved by Nova Scotia Department of Education for inclusion on its list of Authorized Learning Materials for use in Elementary Schools.
Listed in Our Choice Catalogue of the Canadian Children's Book Centre.

French Translations

La baie des mysteres: a translation of Peril at Plover Point. Saint-Lambert, Quebec, Les Deitions Heritage, Collection Alli-bi, 1996. ISBN 2-7625-8426-4.

Alerte au fond du ravin: a translation of The Mystery of the Hemlock Ravine. Saint-Lambert, Quebec, Les Editions Heritage, Collection Alli-bi, 1999. ISBN 2-89512-030-7.

You can send mail to Dorothy Perkyns
c/o Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia