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In researching my ancestry, I am always intrigued by the story of exiled Acadians—French settlers from Nova Scotia tragically deported from their homes by British soldiers in the mid to late 1750s. When dispersed throughout the young colonies of North America, Acadians were met with mistrust, scorn, and downright disdain. They were French Catholics in a very foreign and Protestant land, and the French and Indian War had just begun. They became town ‘charges’ and were discriminated against. Many died of poverty and disease. Children were separated from parents and ‘farmed out’ as slave labor. My 5^th great-grandparents had been exiled to Philadelphia. They were among some of the fortunate ones who were helped by Quakers in the “City of Brotherly Love.” Most Acadians were not so lucky.

How many other displaced Acadians were met with kindness and respect? This thought was the seed for my novel, GIFT OF THE BEAR. As I search for an agent or editor, I will visit Nova Scotia this summer to do more research for my next book. It is yet unnamed but is a prequel, of sorts, to GIFT.

If you’ve never heard of the Great Deportation of Acadians from Nova Scotia, here’s a little-known story of exile and friendship, lost home, and family found. I had never heard of Acadians until the seventh grade when I read, “Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. My father then told me of our Acadian ancestors. I was hooked on the tragic event of deportation forever after and have spent years researching my family roots. I am half French and half English. The idea for GIFT OF THE BEAR came from a thought: How can one boy from the British colonies change the fate of an exiled family?

I am searching for an agent or editor for my middle grade, historical fiction novel. GIFT OF THE BEAR is set in 1755 Massachusetts and New Hampshire. At the onset of the French and Indian War and the Great Deportation of Acadians from Nova Scotia, thousands of French Acadians were exiled to the British colonies. Their story is tragic. They were deported to lands unknown as they watched their homes and fields burn. Hundreds died in shipwrecks, many others of disease. Most were not well received because of their religion and nationality. They became town charges. A few were treated with kindness: this little bit of knowledge sparked an idea for GIFT OF THE BEAR.

Here’s my pitch:

When Edward befriends an exiled immigrant boy, he learns of the horrors of exile, the tragedy of ethnic cleansing, and the resilience of displaced people. In the midst of political unrest and religious discrimination, he finds the fortitude and daring he needs to help his new friend.

I hope to see this story of friendship, courage and determination in the hands of children. While I wait for responses to query letters, I am writing a prequel. I will post updates on my blog.

Inquiries may be sent to my email: princezube@msn.com.