Summer of the Woods (The Virginia Mysteries Book 1)

Wonderful quick read that captures the joys of childhood summer vacation and adventures in the woods. Having moved to a house abutting a large municipal forest with creeks I was definitely brought back to my own adventures by this book. I look forward to sharing this book with my daughter when she's a bit older (20 months right now). Great book, highly recommended especially for 6-12 year old kids.

Book one in a series for young readers. What more could you want? This book has it all: two brothers exploring, a treasure, picnic, swimming, fireworks, camping, treasure, and a cave. Book two sounds even better.

Outstanding ! Definitely recommend this book for kids that like mysteries ! I am in love with this book series even after only the first book ! I love the book even after just 5 minutes ! Love the additional 2 chapters for the next book ! Can't wait to read the second book ! Great job Steven K . Smith !

My nine year old, reluctant reader was the first in our family to complete Summer of the Woods. She fell in love with the story. The mystery and adventure drew her in right away. As a parent, I loved the book because Mr. Smith did not talk down to the reader. It was a perfect read aloud for my seven year olds. This fast paced, wholesome adventure story will leave you wanting to take a hike with your kids and get book two, Mystery at Church Hill, right away!

I was so thrilled to find a mystery adventure series that reminds me of reading the hardy boys when I was young. Every young person should be introduced to this kind of book. I look forward to reading more in the series and go on another adventure.

I thought the book was awesome and super adventurous. I liked the journey that Sam and Derek took in their new environment. I like how you learn things while your reading for fun. This book is a mystery but it is not scary, I thought it was a cliff hanger at some points. I suggest this book to other kids because Summer of the Woods gives incredible details so you can picture what is going on and not be completely clueless. I loved this book and I am looking forward to reading the next ones!

Two brothers, eight-year-old Sam and ten-year-old Derek, recently moved to Virginia at the start of summer. They are excited and anxious to explore their new backyard, which happens to be the woods. Their parents trust them to explore the woods alone and the summer they won't forget begins. Sam discovers an old, worn down coin in the creek and pockets it. After showing their dad the coin and talking with the neighbors they discover that there was a rare coin collection stolen from a local museum. Derek and Sam believe they can discover where the coin collection now hides. However, they don't often know what to expect within the dark woods and mysteries behind the coin collection. What dangers await the brothers in the woods? Will Sam and Derek discover the old coin collection?

I really enjoyed Summer of the Woods. The story was well written with good descriptions. I could really visualize the brothers' quest into the woods. It reminded me of the film, The Goonies. The brothers are young explorers who are determined that there is more within the woods. Besides showing their dad the coin, the treasure hunt remains a secret between the two. This is Steven Smith's first book and I'm excited to read what he writes next. I recommend Summer of the Woods for a fun adventure read.

I met the author at the annual watermelon festival and he was so nice that I decided to buy his first two books and check them out. So glad I did. What a fun read. Reminds me of the Hardy Boys mysteries only shorter. Flows very well and overall a good story. Boys and girls should love this. I read it in one sitting....hard to put down. Nice job.

I have truly enjoyed reading this book to my son. He is eleven and I am fifty. He will plead for the next chapter. He was drawn in by the adventure and enjoyed learning about wheat pennies, which has sparked an interest in coins and collecting.

I have been reading this with my second grade class and we are all hooked! We love the story line and the adventure, perfect for 2nd grade and up. My class has enjoyed the book so much that they have been disappointed when we come to a stopping point and have to pick it up the next day, because they have wanted to keep reading! We can't wait to start reading the next book!

Young readers will find this mystery exciting and entertaining as they follow two young brothers who have relocated from urban Northeast to suburban VA and find much more adventure than they expected while exploring the woods near their new home. The interaction between the boys is genuine and humorous and the mystery surrounding the old coins may well spark an interest in coin collecting. Parents (and grandparents) will appreciate the good, solid values that are woven into the story line almost imperceptibly and kids will relate to the issues of seeking adventure, moving and starting a new school, and trying to please parents while at the same time achieve more independence. My 7 and 9 yr old grandkids loved it.

Summer of the Woods is an excellent summer adventure story. The story about Derek and Sam's adventure captures the imagination and made me think of my own summer adventures as a child. The story kept us engaged and curious about how it was going to progress and would Derek and Sam be successful in finding their treasure. It is stories like Summer of the Woods that keep children engaged in reading and satisfies their thirst for adventure and wholesome fun!