This is the 4th and final installment of a series of blog posts highlighting children’s books that include Richmond and Virginia as the location.
It is always fun to read books that take place where we live. Seeing our Virginia cities and counties mentioned in the pages of a book gives one a special connection to what is being read. Richmond Public Library has many children’s books in our collection with settings that take place in Richmond and Virginia. Both fiction and non-fiction selections are included with a brief description, recommended age range, and a link to our library catalog where one can request the book.
Author Katherine Paterson won the Newberry Medal in 1978 for the classic book Bridge to Terabithia which takes place in rural Virginia in the fictional town of Lark Creek during the Vietnam War. Lark Creek is in driving distance to Washington, D.C. The story involves Jess, a 5th grade boy, who forms an unlikely friendship with a new student at his school named Leslie. They form a bond over their imaginary kingdom in the woods Terabithia where they create an escape from the limited experiences of their small town. Paterson based the story on events in her son’s life. Ages 9-12.
A Horse’s Tale by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Margie Moore is another book collaboration with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Lancer, the horse, has taken off running down Duke of Gloucester Street passing the many historical buildings on his way! Garrick the Gardener doesn’t understand what is going on with Lancer. Why is he acting so strange? It takes many in the town to brainstorm to find out what Lancer’s problem is. Cute animal illustrations will appeal to the preschool crowd. Ages 3-5.
I loved the book Nothing Special by Desiree Cooper! Taking place in coastal Virginia, it tells the story of a little boy from Detroit spending the summer with his grandparents. Jax is thinking that he is going to be doing all the special treats that he is used to doing at home. PopPop has other ideas and shares a summer of learning, love and fun with his grandson. The illustrations by Bec Sloane are dissected fabric pieces that are combined to create wonderful textured images. Anyone that has had the chance to spend some special time with a grandparent will enjoy this book. Ages 4-8.
My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams by Ava Holloway and Amanda Lynch was inspired by a photograph of two ballerinas posing in front of the General Robert E. Lee Monument in Richmond. The photo went viral causing the ballerinas to become famous for their activism and dance. The dreamlike illustrations by Bonnie Lemaire pair wonderfully with the words in the book. Holloway is the co-founder of Brown Ballerinas for Change, an organization dedicated to provide advocacy and diversity in the dancing community. Amanda Lynch is Ava’s mother as well as a writer Ages 6-8.
Mystery on Church Hill by Steven K. Smith is Book 2 of his Virginia Mysteries series. Third grader Sam is on a field trip to Church Hill in Richmond when he stumbles upon a potential crime happening. It leads him to the discovery of a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. Partnered with his history sleuthing brother Derek and his know everything classmate Caitlin, he attempts to uncover the mystery of the letter that would make the crew from the Mystery Machine proud! Check out the other 10 titles by Smith that RPL has that feature such Virginia locations as Belle Isle, Jamestown Mount Vernon, and more. Ages 8-11.
