Fourth graders at Belle heth School show off their free copy of Steven K. Smith’s “Shadows At Jamestown,” a gift from the Lamplighters.RADFORD – Fourth grade students at Belle Heth were recently treated to a virtual meeting with Virginia author Steven K. Smith, whose Virginia mystery book series for children includes a fourth grade SOL-rich “Shadows At Jamestown” novel.
Each student was also given a complimentary copy of the book by the Lamplighters, the Radford Public Library’s fundraising and volunteer organization.
The virtual visit from the author was thanks to a co-sponsorship between departments of Radford University and Radford Public Library, in partnership with school librarians of Belle Heth Elementary School and Riverlawn Elementary School. According to the RPL, “the fourth graders asked the author excellent questions,” and the RPL extends thanks to Radford University’s School of Teacher Education and Leadership; Patricia Langford Roughton Teaching Resources Center, McConnell Library; and College of Education and Human Development for funding the author visits, as well as special thanks to school librarians Mrs. Smith and Mrs. King and all the fourth grade teachers in both schools.
Fourth grader Mason Bell says the book is entertaining and the author talk was informative.
He gave us a lot of information and answered almost all our questions, and there were a lot of questions,” said Bell. “It was overall a great experience.”
The book centers on youngsters Sam, Derek, and Caitlin, who are invited to help with archaeological digs for a week at Jamestown’s Field School.
“But when one of the priceless artifacts dug from the Jamestown Fort is labeled a fraud, it threatens to upend the entire archaeological project,” reads a description of the book. “Can the kids expose the secret conspiracy or have they finally gotten in over their heads? Journey back with them to America’s beginnings and a mystery in the shadows of Jamestown.”
“Shadows at Jamestown” is the sixth book in The Virginia Mysteries series, which are modern-day fictional mysteries with locations and events from Virginia history. The books are popular with both boys and girls ages 7-12. “Shadows At Jamestown” was named a Virginia Readers’ Choice Elementary title for 2019-20 by the Virginia State Reading Association.
