Chasing Vermeer By Blue Balliett Illustrated by Brett Helquist Genre: Realistic Fiction Winner of the 2005 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile
Neither Petra Andalee nor Calder Pillay are what you would call typical 11 year olds. Petra dreams of becoming a writer and does her best to be extremely observant. Calder also thinks outside of the box, using his pentominoes to help him answer questions. Both of them adore their new 6th grade teacher, Ms. Hussey, who is even more eccentric than they are.
When a famous painting by Vermeer is stolen, the two find themselves drawn together. Unrelated events soon begin to appear to be inextricably connected. Following clues only they seem to be able to see, Petra and Calder soon find themselves entwined in an international crime where the art at stake is priceless.
Will Calder and Petra find the painting before it's too late? Are the strange events really connected, or is it just coincidence?
I found this book to be entertaining. It was easy to read, though with all the clues and theories there were a couple points where I had to go back and reread. I wouldn't say it was the best book I'd ever ready, but I can see where students would enjoy the mystery. The presence of the pentominoes and the art history references make it easy to connect the story with other content areas.Proxy-Connection: keep-alive
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It's also a great book to read when discussing codes and patterns - Calder and his friend Tommy (who has moved away) have developed their own code and communicate in encrypted letters. These letters are not translated in the book, so students would likely enjoy using the cipher to find out what they say, though they could get the gist using context clues.
I would recommend this book for grades 5 & 6. The young age of the protagonists (they turn 12 over the course of the book) may negatively impact the interest of older readers, though I'm sure some 7th and 8th grade readers would enjoy it. Petra and Calder are both main characters, so I feel confident saying that both boys and girls would enjoy reading the novel. I know that a grade level at a local middle school read this book and the students really enjoyed the mystery as well as working with the pentominoes.
Book Talk Hook:
Mysterious letters.
The theft of a priceless work of art.
A centuries old crime.
Calder and Petra must work together to follow clues only they see. Will they be able to solve a crime that has even the FBI stumped? Or will they be too late?
Read Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett to find out.
Other books about Calder, Petra & Tommy
The Wright 3
The Calder Game
Caryn - When I pulled up your page I had to laugh. This is the second book we have matched -amazing! I'd almost share what I'm reading for next week, but will keep quiet just to see what happens. I really did like all the connections to numbers, characters, colors, and I didn't even cover the illustrations in my review. Thanks for sharing the other titles with these characters. I will have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteI just read this not long ago for another class. I have to say I was unimpressed. I thought, while it was an easy read, the text didn't flow very well. The plot, too, is quite disjointed and I felt there were far too many coincidences, despite the plot's delving into the old lady's book about connection and coincidence.
ReplyDeletePetra and Calder were likeable characters, though, and I know that the fifth graders in my class who did this book as a lit circle really enjoyed it as well.
I haven't read this novel before, but your book talk seems enticing. Students who like mysteries would probably be very interested in reading this book after they hear your book talk.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe folks keep choosing the same titles. What are the chances? The book sounds cute and the math aspect is always a plus.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun mystery.
ReplyDeleteGreat book hook.
I love that you suggested cross curricular tie-ins with your selection. Sounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteErin, I agree with you in some respects. I personally was not overly impressed by the book, and would not have likely read it for my own enjoyment. However, I've heard that younger students do enjoy it, and this doesn't surprise me considering the characters and all the twists and turns in the mystery.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I expected to like to book much better than I did. I love adult mysteries and art... However kids seem to like it pretty well and it has the added benefit of the art connection so it is a basic title in elementary and middle schools.
ReplyDeleteI can see how young adventurous kids would really be able to get into this series and I couldn't help but think of Ralphie from A Christmas Story when you talked about deciphering secret code. For some reason secret meanings/words always grab the attention of younger kids. Just look at the back of cereal boxes!
ReplyDeleteThe note about "encrypted" letters made me laugh. It reminded me of those younger years! After reading your blog, I would agree with your recommendation. I'm sure there could be some middle-school students that would like it, too.
ReplyDelete