What do you think?
Rate this book
The Virginia Mysteries #9
Pictures at the Protest
Back then, it wasn’t over a health pandemic, but because county leaders refused to desegregate white and Black schools. So when long-hidden photographs surface from the student protests along Main Street in Farmville, Sam, Derek, and Caitlin are on the case to help identify the brave teenagers who stood for justice nearly sixty years ago.
Their search winds through Virginia’s checkered racial past of Jim Crow and Massive Resistance, sending them to key sites like the Moton Museum, Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson Ward, and the Virginia State Capitol, and courageous voices like Barbara Johns, Oliver Hill, and Maggie Walker. But when protests over Confederate monuments and cries for social justice ignite their city, will the kids use their lessons from history to take a stand in the present? How far will they go to support new friends while confronting faces from the past? Middle-graders will love the fast-paced modern-day adventure with a twist of history of a critical time in our nation’s civil rights journey. Throughout his Virginia Mysteries series, author Steven K. Smith expertly combines fictional mystery plots with real historical locations and figures like Mount Vernon, Jamestown, St. John’s Church, Colonial Williamsburg, Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and many others, making them a hit with families and educators alike. Also by Steven K.
The Virginia Mysteries
Book 1 – Summer of the Woods
Book 2 – Mystery on Church Hill
Book 3 – Ghosts of Belle Isle
Book 4 – Secret of the Staircase
Book 5 – Midnight at the Mansion
Book 6 – Shadows at Jamestown
Book 7 – Spies at Mount Vernon
Book 8 – Escape from Monticello
Book 9 - Pictures at the Protest
Book 10 - Pirates on the Bay Brother Wars Series
Brother Wars
Cabin Eleven
The Big Apple Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)
The Missing
The Recruit
The Bridge
Their search winds through Virginia’s checkered racial past of Jim Crow and Massive Resistance, sending them to key sites like the Moton Museum, Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson Ward, and the Virginia State Capitol, and courageous voices like Barbara Johns, Oliver Hill, and Maggie Walker. But when protests over Confederate monuments and cries for social justice ignite their city, will the kids use their lessons from history to take a stand in the present? How far will they go to support new friends while confronting faces from the past? Middle-graders will love the fast-paced modern-day adventure with a twist of history of a critical time in our nation’s civil rights journey. Throughout his Virginia Mysteries series, author Steven K. Smith expertly combines fictional mystery plots with real historical locations and figures like Mount Vernon, Jamestown, St. John’s Church, Colonial Williamsburg, Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and many others, making them a hit with families and educators alike. Also by Steven K.
The Virginia Mysteries
Book 1 – Summer of the Woods
Book 2 – Mystery on Church Hill
Book 3 – Ghosts of Belle Isle
Book 4 – Secret of the Staircase
Book 5 – Midnight at the Mansion
Book 6 – Shadows at Jamestown
Book 7 – Spies at Mount Vernon
Book 8 – Escape from Monticello
Book 9 - Pictures at the Protest
Book 10 - Pirates on the Bay Brother Wars Series
Brother Wars
Cabin Eleven
The Big Apple Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)
The Missing
The Recruit
The Bridge
220 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
54 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Steven K. Smith
27 books128 followersSteven K. Smith writes the middle grade series The Virginia Mysteries, Brother Wars, and Final Kingdom.
Steven lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife and three sons. Born and raised in rural northwestern New Jersey, he moved to Virginia in 2011 and quickly fell in love with its history and charm. Visit his website at www.stevenksmith.net.
When he's not writing, Steven enjoys coaching his boys in sports, hiking, kayaking, naps, and taking away his kids' screen time. Some of his favorite children's books include Where the Red Fern Grows, Rascal, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Bridge to Terabithia, and the Chronicles of Narnia series.
The Virginia Mysteries - Adventures with a twist of history
(Ages 7-12)
Book 1 - Summer of the Woods
Book 2 - Mystery on Church Hill
Book 3 - Ghosts of Belle Isle
Book 4 - Secret of the Staircase
Book 5 - Midnight at the Mansion
Book 6 - Shadows at Jamestown
Book 7 - Spies at Mount Vernon
Book 8 - Escape from Monticello
Brother Wars (Ages 7-12)
Brother Wars
Brother Wars: Cabin Eleven
Brother Wars: The Big Apple
Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)
Book 1 - The Missing
Book 2- The Recruit
Book 3 - The Bridge
Steven lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife and three sons. Born and raised in rural northwestern New Jersey, he moved to Virginia in 2011 and quickly fell in love with its history and charm. Visit his website at www.stevenksmith.net.
When he's not writing, Steven enjoys coaching his boys in sports, hiking, kayaking, naps, and taking away his kids' screen time. Some of his favorite children's books include Where the Red Fern Grows, Rascal, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Bridge to Terabithia, and the Chronicles of Narnia series.
The Virginia Mysteries - Adventures with a twist of history
(Ages 7-12)
Book 1 - Summer of the Woods
Book 2 - Mystery on Church Hill
Book 3 - Ghosts of Belle Isle
Book 4 - Secret of the Staircase
Book 5 - Midnight at the Mansion
Book 6 - Shadows at Jamestown
Book 7 - Spies at Mount Vernon
Book 8 - Escape from Monticello
Brother Wars (Ages 7-12)
Brother Wars
Brother Wars: Cabin Eleven
Brother Wars: The Big Apple
Final Kingdom Trilogy (Ages 10+)
Book 1 - The Missing
Book 2- The Recruit
Book 3 - The Bridge
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 18, 2020
Steven K. Smith Outdid Himself
I have been reading Smith’s Virginia Mysteries almost since they first came out and am on his mailing list. When I first saw the title of this book, I was disappointed because it reminded me of the protests that we are having in America, protests that are necessary as far as Black Lives Matter, but they should not be needed. The fact that they are needed, has caused me to wish that I lived in another country or better yet, that I could solve the issues. But I gave in and read the book, and I am glad that I did because ait is the best Virginia mystery even though the mystery is solved early on.
It begins with finding a photo of a teenage black girl who was protesting during the Civil-Right’s Movement of the 60s. No name was given on the photograph, but it was known that she lived in Freetown, Virginia at the time or at least that is where the protest march had been held.
Derek, Sam, and Kaitlin are always the main characters in this series, and this time they uncover the name of the girl in the photograph, which does not take long, but the story goes on because Steven is really giving us a lesson in black history as well as teaching kids how to relate to blacks and visa versa, and mostly, how to stand up for what is right. I love it! And, hey, they also learn how to find people by going to the right places in a town.
Derek, Sam and Kaitlin decide to take a shortcut to Freetown where they begin their sleuthing, and this shortcut takes them on a path through the woods where Sam drops his new eyeglasses over the bridge, fault of his brother Derek. When they go down to find his glasses, some kids are at the river and begin harassing them, but they soon get away.
Once in town they finally meet a family who they hope will have some answers, when, low and behold, one of boys from the river is the son of the woman who they are questioning. He and Sam become friends, but problems arise in their friendship, problems that will be solved in time.
I have been reading Smith’s Virginia Mysteries almost since they first came out and am on his mailing list. When I first saw the title of this book, I was disappointed because it reminded me of the protests that we are having in America, protests that are necessary as far as Black Lives Matter, but they should not be needed. The fact that they are needed, has caused me to wish that I lived in another country or better yet, that I could solve the issues. But I gave in and read the book, and I am glad that I did because ait is the best Virginia mystery even though the mystery is solved early on.
It begins with finding a photo of a teenage black girl who was protesting during the Civil-Right’s Movement of the 60s. No name was given on the photograph, but it was known that she lived in Freetown, Virginia at the time or at least that is where the protest march had been held.
Derek, Sam, and Kaitlin are always the main characters in this series, and this time they uncover the name of the girl in the photograph, which does not take long, but the story goes on because Steven is really giving us a lesson in black history as well as teaching kids how to relate to blacks and visa versa, and mostly, how to stand up for what is right. I love it! And, hey, they also learn how to find people by going to the right places in a town.
Derek, Sam and Kaitlin decide to take a shortcut to Freetown where they begin their sleuthing, and this shortcut takes them on a path through the woods where Sam drops his new eyeglasses over the bridge, fault of his brother Derek. When they go down to find his glasses, some kids are at the river and begin harassing them, but they soon get away.
Once in town they finally meet a family who they hope will have some answers, when, low and behold, one of boys from the river is the son of the woman who they are questioning. He and Sam become friends, but problems arise in their friendship, problems that will be solved in time.
November 28, 2022
A super helpful kid-level way to discuss everything that's happened in our city over the last few years. Note that this book is more didactic than the other books in the series so it's not as "fun" for the kids, nor does it give every nuance in the conversation over race and the confederate monuments. But it does give a great starting place for parents to talk to their kids about this topic and discuss what they thought about the different characters and their choices.
February 7, 2023
So torn on this book. I absolutely loved the first half, which focused on the history. Then, it took a turn to focus on protests of modern day. Personally I think those events are too recent to be covered like this, and he paints with a pretty broad brush. I have not read any of the other books in the series. I would be curious how Mad Dog is portrayed in the previous books. I wanted to read this book as a family read aloud to go along with the history we are studying, but I can't recommend the second half.
July 12, 2021
A must read for everyone of all ages! The first book to incorporate the pandemic into the story, which adds an immediate connection for all readers. The book includes multiple perspectives, symbolism, and topics that should be discussed by all. The theme is timeless and creates powerful conversations- I look forward to reading it aloud to my fourth graders this year!
January 6, 2021
I read this with my son and he absolutely loved it. He said it was his second favourite book, in the series. The book promoted so many great conversations and learning opportunities. I thot it was very well written, and I’m so glad the author included in the series. Well done!
June 17, 2021
Sam, Derek and Caitlin team up to solve another historical mystery. This time with the help of university librarians and museum curators they set out to find the identity of individuals who participated in the Prince Edward County school strike of 1959.
August 19, 2023
The Virginia Mystery books are such a great series! These books remind me of the Hardy Boy/Nancy Drew books I used to read growing up where it's the kids solving the mysteries. They are fun to read plus they are educational! I love how the author has made stories in around the Richmond area and in Virginia so we can learn about the history of this state.
In Pictures at the Protest, we learn that in 1959 Prince Edward County shut down all schools for 5 years because the county leaders refused to desegregate white and black students in schools! I had no idea, then again, I may live here, but I am not from Richmond or Virginia. So the rich white kids got to go to private schools, but the poor white kids and the black kids were affected.
VCU, Virginia Commonwealth University, has a collection of pictures from the sixties of the protest that took place over the schools shutting down. They want to help locate/find out who those brave people are in the pictures, one picture at a time and one person at a time. The Research Librarian asks Derek, Sam, and Caitlin to help identify one young girl in one of the pictures.
This story takes us to Farmville, to the High Bridge Trail and to the Moton Museum (it was once all black school). I haven't been to Farmville, but now I want to go. It's only an hour from Richmond too.
It also takes us to areas around Richmond: Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson Ward (always driving through and that's where Maggie Walker's house is and Mr Bojangles statue is), the Virginia State Capitol (gone twice for a free tour) and to Monument Street, (the houses are gorgeous) Richmond's famous street. The story was written in 2020 when there was protests of removing the Confederate statues on Monument and the gang end up there (during one of the protests). We get to learn about famous black leaders of the time Barbara Johns, Oliver Hill, and Maggie Walker (been to her house for a tour!)
It was a heavier topic, but an important topic and it would be a perfect opportunity for the teacher or the parent to discuss and answer questions.
It really bothers me and grates on my nerves the brother's relationship. Derek is constantly picking on Sam. It's too much in my opinion. I wish it was less, but it seems to be getting more.
In Pictures at the Protest, we learn that in 1959 Prince Edward County shut down all schools for 5 years because the county leaders refused to desegregate white and black students in schools! I had no idea, then again, I may live here, but I am not from Richmond or Virginia. So the rich white kids got to go to private schools, but the poor white kids and the black kids were affected.
VCU, Virginia Commonwealth University, has a collection of pictures from the sixties of the protest that took place over the schools shutting down. They want to help locate/find out who those brave people are in the pictures, one picture at a time and one person at a time. The Research Librarian asks Derek, Sam, and Caitlin to help identify one young girl in one of the pictures.
This story takes us to Farmville, to the High Bridge Trail and to the Moton Museum (it was once all black school). I haven't been to Farmville, but now I want to go. It's only an hour from Richmond too.
It also takes us to areas around Richmond: Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson Ward (always driving through and that's where Maggie Walker's house is and Mr Bojangles statue is), the Virginia State Capitol (gone twice for a free tour) and to Monument Street, (the houses are gorgeous) Richmond's famous street. The story was written in 2020 when there was protests of removing the Confederate statues on Monument and the gang end up there (during one of the protests). We get to learn about famous black leaders of the time Barbara Johns, Oliver Hill, and Maggie Walker (been to her house for a tour!)
It was a heavier topic, but an important topic and it would be a perfect opportunity for the teacher or the parent to discuss and answer questions.
It really bothers me and grates on my nerves the brother's relationship. Derek is constantly picking on Sam. It's too much in my opinion. I wish it was less, but it seems to be getting more.
May 24, 2023
This was the least exciting, most preachy book of this series (I've now read #1-9 out loud to my kids). Even my kids, who are very easily entertained, couldn't wait to be done with this one. Thankfully, the next one is supposed to be about pirates, so hopefully we'll get back to the action with that one (but not TOO much action...honestly, some of the attempted murder of children in the other books in this series was over the top for me. Find a happy medium, Smith!).
All of that said, if you are super hot for BLM, you'll love this one.
All of that said, if you are super hot for BLM, you'll love this one.
January 1, 2023
While this YA novel is entertaining and educational, like all the others in this series, it’s also the nadir of the series, mostly due to pallid language and a rather lame plot. The writer balances on a knife’s edge in his attempt to deal with racial issues. He is also inconsistent. He calls African Americans Black with a capital B, but white people are called white with a lowercase w. Why is that?
Unlike the other books, there’s really not much of a mystery to solve here. A disappointment.
Unlike the other books, there’s really not much of a mystery to solve here. A disappointment.
March 30, 2025
Good book that can help gently begin conversations about social justice and civil rights with tweens. Using for our homeschool Civil Rights, massive resistance and integration unit.
July 27, 2025
Just okay.
January 1, 2021
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, but interwoven throughout the whole text is the greater narrative of kids learning about VA’s past through a historical and honest lense. Sam and Derek’s relationship continues to mature and I’m once again impressed with the way Smith teaches kids about history. I cannot wait to read this book to my students!
December 2, 2020
This middle-grade series is perfect for reluctant history readers in grades 3-6. Written with nonstop action and funny sibling squabbles that kids will like, these books introduce history in a way that is accessible and interesting. By including a current mystery element to the historical sites, even kids who aren’t fans of learning about “boring” history will fly through the books! Bonus for those who live in Virginia - all of the sites are easily visited and many have been reviewed on The History Mom!
Once again, Smith has done a fantastic job at weaving in history with current events. The main characters, Sam, Derek, and Caitlin, learn about the Massive Resistance to school desegregation in Virginia during the 1950s while they are out of school for a different reason - COVID-19 closures. This allows kids to have a better understanding of history and put themselves in the shoes of those from the past. Smith also touches on the social justice protests from the summer and gives parents a good entry point to discuss these hard issues with their children. It would be a great book to read with your child!
Once again, Smith has done a fantastic job at weaving in history with current events. The main characters, Sam, Derek, and Caitlin, learn about the Massive Resistance to school desegregation in Virginia during the 1950s while they are out of school for a different reason - COVID-19 closures. This allows kids to have a better understanding of history and put themselves in the shoes of those from the past. Smith also touches on the social justice protests from the summer and gives parents a good entry point to discuss these hard issues with their children. It would be a great book to read with your child!
December 1, 2020
The reader learns about Virginia protest history along with the characters. Things are not easily right or wrong. The characters, as well as the reader, see decisions can be hard. Young readers can relate to having misunderstandings with friends. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews