The Capitol Ghost Mystery

by Barone, Michelle M, Tara McMillen (Illustrator)

The portrait of Abraham Lincoln has been stolen from the Colorado State Capitol for the second time, and Silvie Blake is on the hunt for clues during her class field trip. Silvie is soon caught in a puzzling web woven around history, ghosts and her own family. As she solves one mystery after another she finds keys that unlock her past, an unexpected friendship, and a belief in herself that will change her life forever.

143 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2008

Reviews

[Jon Flanagan]

I wish I could give it zero stars. Truly one of the worst books I've ever read, and it somehow got chosen as the 2013 Youth One Book, One Denver selection. It's incredibly melodramatic, predictable, and awfully written, and even its saving grace (facts about Colorado history) are just crammed down the reader's throat. It feels like an editor didn't come near it, and the cover design and layout appear to have been handled by a seven-year-old.

The good news? 2014's Youth One Book, One Denver selection will undoubtedly be better!

[Marcie]

I love this as a 4th grade class read or read aloud prior to Capitol visits. Lots of Colorado History and some background helpful.

[Leslie]

I didn't think it was that bad.

[Meghan Kavanaugh]

I can see why Colorado school kids read this book. I loved it! In almost 2 decades of living in Colorado, I'm just learning about the legend of Silver Heels and I'm fascinated by the story. I loved how local Denver landmarks are incorporated into the book, and the tween sleuth characters are very believable. Definitely recommend.

[Natalie]

Lots of fun Denver history in a story that was enjoyable for my third grader and bearable for an adult. Good read before a tour of the Capitol

[Tracy]

There were a few reviewers who didn't like this book. I'm not sure why. It was cute. There is a lot of Colorado History wrapped in a cute 5th grade mystery for 5th graders. The should get over it. I don't believe in ghosts (I'm sure I'll get some comments on here) but we read the book anyway for my struggling 11 year reader who is studying Colorado History right now. I would recommend this book, even with the ghosts to ages 8 - 13. The reading level is low, but the student must keep up with the clues in the mystery. We set a goal to read 2 - 3 chapters per day, which always ended in 5 - 8 page turning chapters "PLEASE, just one more". Now it's time for a field trip to the Colorado State Capitol in Denver to look for hidden pictures in the marble.

[Spring Ranch]

Want a fun way to learn about Colorado history? When a portrait of Abraham Lincoln is stolen a 5th graders turns a routine field trip into an adventure. I learned all sorts of things about Colorado from reading this book. A trip to the Colorado state capitol would be a great way to finish it off.

[Stephenie M]

The Capitol Ghost Mystery was an intriging story.It was about a girl called Silvie. Silvie is a nice and kind person.But not evry thing is OK for Silvie as you would think.Silvie has a lot of problems.'Like what?',you ask?Well first Silvie does not have a mother.Her mother volenteared to help wounded soilders in Iraq and while she was there Silvie's mother got lost in an explosion.

[Michelle]

fun to read facts about Colorado woven into a story, but the overall plot and characters were weak--unbelievable and very predictable. I am glad I read it so I could understand what Nathan is reading, but wouldn't necessarily recommend it except as preparation for a field trip to the capitol.

[Theresa]

a book set in denver colorado that uses the information and historical places to make the ghost story a mystery.

[El not Elle]

The writing style is a little difficult at times, but as an educator who understands the importance of resonance in reading- especially for young people - this is a good early reader chapter book.