Chasing Vermeer

by Blue Balliett

Review by Karen Larson
Reading Level: 8-12
This book is in stock

Here is another great series of books I just have to share with you-

Chasing Vermeer, The Wright Three and The Calder Game by Blue Balliett.

Three sixth grade kids in modern day Chicago are involved in three clever mysteries.

Balliett takes Petra, Calder and Tommy on a detailed walk through art, architecture and history observing little, beautiful, simple things. Such as the way a painting looks in afternoon light or the way a mobile becomes a whole new sculpture with every movement.

Besides the mysteries themselves, the three protagonists have to work through realistic relationship issues with each other and the adult characters that they encounter. One of these adults, their teacher Ms. Hussey, could be one of our own. She encourages them with honesty and creativity, guides them through problem solving and she is flexible enough to put aside lesson plans to take advantage of any unexpected learning opportunity.

Artist Bret Helquist adds much to these stories with his wonderful illustrations. His style may be familiar to those of you who may have read another bunch of books called A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.

Genre: mystery
Series: Chasing Vermeer | Subjects: art, middle readers, mysteries
Illustrated by Brett Helquist