Perkins, Agnes Regan
April 28, 1926 -
Place of Birth: Helena, MT
Place of Principle Residence: Ann Arbor, MI
Biography:
Agnes Regan Perkins was born to Thomas and Agnes Regan I Helena, Montana. She earned her BA and MA at the University of Montana in 1947 and 1949, respectively. While earning her MA Perkins was briefly a teaching fellow, and after graduation worked at Eastern Michigan University from 1961 to 1986 as a professor of English Language and Literature. Perkins has published many books about children’s literature and poetry, most of which she has co-authored. Currently she lives in Ann Arbor, MI with her husband William and has three children: Todd, Aaron, and Stuart.
Selected Works:
- Dictionary of British Children’s Fiction (1989)
- Dictionary of American Children’s Fiction, 1859-1959 (1985)
- This Land Is Our Land: A Guide to Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults (1994)
Critical Reception:
For Dictionary of British Children’s Fiction:
“Dictionary of British Children’s Fiction is a worthy companion to its precursors. . . . Many will enjoy simply browsing this fascinating reference book.”
— Reference Books Bulletin
“For convenience, and quality, this set plus its companion dictionaries may become the reference source of choice in children’s literature. A must buy for all libraries!”
— Choice
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work:
Ever since 1961, Perkins has lived and taught in Michigan. During her professional career she wrote and published many books on children’s literature with her colleagues.