Chasing Vermeer

Author: Blue Balliett

Illustrator: Brett Hellquist

Publication: New York: Scholastic Press

Pub. Date: 2004

ISBN: 0439372941

Pages: 254

Summary: When seemingly unrelated and strange events start to happen and a precious Vermeer painting disappears, eleven-year-olds Petra and Calder combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.

Major Characters: Petra Andalee, Calder Pillay, Ms. Isabel Hussey (their teacher), Mrs. Louise Sharpe (their neighbour)

Comments: This a highly unusual, yet entertaining book. Although the main characters are a little young for a traditional young adult novel, they act a lot older than they are. The story has a little bit of everything - supernatural phenomena, mysterious letters, and a daring art theft. It is more intelligent plot than most, and opportunities are given for the reader to decipher codes and to look for patterns in pictures. It is a very interactive book, and therefore, difficult to put down.

Genre: Mystery

Age Level: 10+

Rating: 5/5