Denver resident Michelle Barone wasn’t a big fan of history growing up, but you’d never know it by reading her novels.
The outgoing principal of in Aurora, Barone has also found the time to become a children’s novelist. Her second book, “The Capitol Ghost Mystery,” was selected as the winner. The program is aimed at keeping children reading during the summer.
The book centers on the theft of a painting of President Abraham Lincoln from the Colorado State Capitol and the efforts of two fifth-graders, who find the painting and a few other things along the way. The story contains facts about the Capitol building and Colorado history. Barone said she wanted to make history more fun than she found it growing up.
“History was my least-favorite subject in school. Maybe because of that, I like to write history so it’s interesting for kids,” she said.
The award meant that “The Capitol Ghost Mystery” was read by nearly 2,000 students during the summer. Barone made several appearances with Mayor Michael B. Hancock and discussed the book with youth, signed copies and played games.
The book was selected as a finalist by a panel that included representatives from Denver Public Library, several Boys and Girls clubs and Denver Arts and Venues. Two other finalists were selected and the books were voted on by parents and children. Barone was surprised by the result.
“I didn’t even know it was happening. By the time I found out, I had already won. It’s like the Lotto,” she said.
However,
Dan Rowland, spokesman for Denver Arts and Venues, said the book was a runaway winner. After the award is given, the book is distributed to children in the program.
Rowland said winning the award is a great opportunity to get the book into the hands of youth. She added that having the book take place in Denver is a bonus.
“It raises my level of pride in the city,” Rowland said.
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or
