Built for the classroom.
SOL-aligned. AR-certified. Loved by readers.
The Virginia Mysteries are one of Virginia’s most-adopted middle-grade series — used in classrooms, libraries, and One Book, One School programs across the state and beyond. Every title is in Accelerated Reader. Every book is rooted in real Virginia history. Free comprehension materials and teaching guides for every book.
ATOS reading levels
All 12 Virginia Mysteries are in Accelerated Reader — ATOS 4.0–5.1, roughly 4th–5th grade.
Teaching materials for every title
Free downloadable resources for every Virginia Mysteries book — built specifically for elementary classrooms and reading programs.
Ready-to-print PDF quizzes for every Virginia Mysteries title. Perfect for AR programs, classroom assessments, or independent reading checks.
Download quizzes →Complete program materials for school-wide reads — student intro videos, activity packets, trivia, word searches, and chapter-by-chapter discussion guides.
View OBOS materials →Watch Steven read Chapter 1 of Summer of the Woods — a great way to hook reluctant readers before they pick up the book.
Watch the reading →Discussion guides and activity materials specifically aligned with Virginia Readers’ Choice criteria — including Shadows at Jamestown.
VRC materials →A one-stop hub — comprehension quizzes, program guides, and real-history companion links for every Virginia Mysteries book.
Browse resources →Real-history companion content for each book — Patrick Henry, Jefferson, the 1959 Prince Edward closings, Blackbeard, and more. Curated links for student research.
Explore the history →SOL-aligned. Virginia-specific.
The Virginia Mysteries are written for Virginia Studies. Every book is set in real Virginia places, tied to real Virginia history, and built to deepen what your students learn in Virginia Studies, U.S. History, and Civics & Economics.
From Jamestown’s archaeology to the Prince Edward school closings to the science labs at NASA Langley — these are the SOL touchpoints brought to life through adventure.
- Virginia Studies SOL · Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Jamestown, civil rights era, geography
- U.S. History SOL · Colonial America, founding fathers, Civil War, Massive Resistance
- English / Reading SOL · Mystery genre, narrative structure, comprehension, vocabulary
- Civics & Economics · Social justice themes, government, civic engagement
- Science connections · NASA, rocket programs, archaeology (Conspiracy at the Launch, Shadows at Jamestown)
Adopt a community read.
Summer of the Woods and other Virginia Mysteries are popular One Book, One School selections — bringing entire elementary schools together around a shared story. Complete program materials available: student intro videos, activity packets, trivia, and family discussion guides.
Plan your OBOS program →Bulk orders & educator pricing
Whether you’re outfitting a classroom library, running a school-wide read, or stocking your school book fair, Steven works directly with schools and libraries to make bulk purchases easy and affordable.
Signed copies available on request for classroom giveaways or author visit attendees.
Tell us how many books, which titles, and your school or library — we’ll send back a quote within 48 hours.
Request a quote →Author visits, assemblies & classroom workshops
Steven has visited 250+ schools across Virginia and beyond — author assemblies, classroom workshops, book talks, and full-day residencies. Most popular for grades 2–6. Virtual visits also available.
What teachers say
“As a teacher I find it challenging to find an adventure book for students that is both engaging and suitable to share at the elementary level. Summer of the Woods is a keeper. Both boys and girls clamored for the next book in the series, which is a huge score for any teacher or parent.”
“My list of books that I consider top-notch for read alouds is very short, but it became one book longer after reading this novel. Chapter 3 alone does an excellent job of addressing the concepts my 4th graders need to know.”
“As an elementary librarian I love this series for my 3rd–5th grade students and the tie-in to many Virginia History SOLs is wonderful. Students will love reading about this topic with so many connections to today’s world.”
“Where Mr. Smith shines is when he involves us in actual historic events. The places and people of the 18th Century ground the book — a terrific portal to introduce history to young readers in a captivating way.”
Ready to bring these books
to your students?
Free materials, bulk pricing, classroom sets, signed copies, and author visits. Let’s talk.
