Bibliographical information:

Balliett, Blue. Chasing Vermeer. Illus. Brett Helquist. New York: Scholastic, 2004.

Brief summary:

Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay are sixth-graders at the University School in Chicago. Petra is a writer, and Calder often thinks using pentominoes. When their teacher asks them to find examples of letters that have changed people's lives, they beome entangled in intersecting mysteries involving a missing painting attributed to Vermeer and the shady new husband of Calder's friend Tommy.

Comments:

In addition to its main mysteries. Chasing Vermeer includes codes, puzzles, and clues hidden in Helquist's illustrations. Kids will enjoy these elements, along with the mysteries and the story of Calder and Petra's growing friendship.

Grade/Age level:

Grades 4-8

Cautions:

If you like this book, you might also like . . .

The Westing Game, The Wright 3, Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra

--Lisa Gordis

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