A one week class for rising 3rd through 5th graders just wrapped up at Collegiate. It was called "RVA Historical Quest" and participants deciphered clues to learn about famous people and places in Richmond. Each morning the young detectives traveled to destinations as diverse as the Virginia Historical Society, a former coal mine, the Black History Museum and Belle Isle, an island in downtown Richmond which served as a prison for Union soldiers during the Civil War. This morning local author Steven K. Smith dropped by to share stories about a series of books he is writing called The Virginia Mysteries. Described as "Adventures with a twist of history" they are perfect for young readers learning about Richmond. Each volume incorporates exciting stories that are part of the lore of Richmond. Mr. Smith, with three boys of his own, knows how to write for kids and even better, how to talk to them. He left them with autographed copies of his books and a greater appreciation of Richmond history.
