Chasing Vermeer
By Balliett, Blue. Illustrated by Brett Helquist.
(2004). New York: Apple Paperbacks.
ISBN 978-0-439-37297-8
Reading Level: Grades 5–7
Summary: Sixth graders, Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay hardly know each other when they find themselves in the same room of the Art Institute. Intrigued by their teacher’s assignment, and the coincidences of meeting in unforeseen places, the two develop an easy friendship. However, when an art thief takes the world by storm, stealing a priceless Vermeer painting and justifying his reasons in a letter published in all major newspapers, Petra and Calder begin to find more puzzling clues that cannot be explained. Using their interest in Vermeer, pentominos, blue M&Ms, and a rare text by Charles Fort, can Petra and Calder uncover the mystery behind the missing Vermeer?
Review: Chasing Vermeer is an interesting mystery. Tying in questions of coincidence, art history, deception, and a convincing whodunit, the book challenges tweens to think beyond the mystery itself. Baillett’s use of multicultural characters and realistic settings, are very much believable which make the main characters’ journey throughout the mystery feel fresh. Additionally, the use of both a male and female protagonist allow for a wider audience as readers can find connections between either characters. This title was initially chosen due to the awards and accolades it has receive since its publication as well as the reviewer’s own interest while reading Baillett’s Shakespeare’s Secret. Due to the use of multi-dimensional characters, an entertaining mystery and classic works of art, Chasing Vermeer is sure to be a mainstay within the mystery genre and tween literature.
Selected Awards: Chicago Tribune Prize for Young Adult Fiction (Won, 2004), Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery Novel (Won, 2005), Agatha Award for Best Children’s/Young Adult Novel (Won, 2005), A New York Times Best Seller, Booklist Top 10 Youth Mysteries
Summary: Sixth graders, Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay hardly know each other when they find themselves in the same room of the Art Institute. Intrigued by their teacher’s assignment, and the coincidences of meeting in unforeseen places, the two develop an easy friendship. However, when an art thief takes the world by storm, stealing a priceless Vermeer painting and justifying his reasons in a letter published in all major newspapers, Petra and Calder begin to find more puzzling clues that cannot be explained. Using their interest in Vermeer, pentominos, blue M&Ms, and a rare text by Charles Fort, can Petra and Calder uncover the mystery behind the missing Vermeer?
Review: Chasing Vermeer is an interesting mystery. Tying in questions of coincidence, art history, deception, and a convincing whodunit, the book challenges tweens to think beyond the mystery itself. Baillett’s use of multicultural characters and realistic settings, are very much believable which make the main characters’ journey throughout the mystery feel fresh. Additionally, the use of both a male and female protagonist allow for a wider audience as readers can find connections between either characters. This title was initially chosen due to the awards and accolades it has receive since its publication as well as the reviewer’s own interest while reading Baillett’s Shakespeare’s Secret. Due to the use of multi-dimensional characters, an entertaining mystery and classic works of art, Chasing Vermeer is sure to be a mainstay within the mystery genre and tween literature.
Selected Awards: Chicago Tribune Prize for Young Adult Fiction (Won, 2004), Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery Novel (Won, 2005), Agatha Award for Best Children’s/Young Adult Novel (Won, 2005), A New York Times Best Seller, Booklist Top 10 Youth Mysteries
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