Author: Blue Balliett
Originally Published: 2004
Length: 272 pages
Personal Enjoyment Factor: 3/5
Amazon.com Rating: 4/5 (145 Customer Reviews)
Length: 272 pages
Personal Enjoyment Factor: 3/5
Amazon.com Rating: 4/5 (145 Customer Reviews)
I felt pretty lukewarm towards this quirky little story of two sixth-grade kids driven by mysterious dreams, coincidental clues, and insightful pentominoes to discover the thief of a valuable Vermeer painting. I was pretty excited, however, to join my daughter's class on a field trip to the Norton-Simon Museum to actually see the painting that was stolen in the book, A Lady Writing. They had read the book as a class and thought it was pretty cool to get up close and personal with the Lady, and show off to the tour guide all that they knew about Vermeer. Here are a couple of photos of our trip, and one of the painting itself:
The fact that I was reading this on the bus with about 60 kids may have affected my opinion. It was a cute story, and I loved the characters, but there was too much that was coincidental--although I do realize that this was a theme of the book and it was addressed--it was still a bit too much for me. I appreciated the discussion of art, and this quote by Picasso mentioned in the book has been floating around in my mind quite a bit since reading it:
Art is the lie that tells the truth.
I've felt the same way about some of the middle-grade mysteries I've read. I suppose it's written a little more simply due to the audience. It's cool you got to go see the painting, though.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool field trip. Those kids are not likely to forget about Vermeer too soon. My husband took me to the Norton-Simon for a date once. I'd love to go back and see it again.
ReplyDeleteEver since reading "The Girl with the Pearl Earring", I've been interested in Vermeer. I've seen this painting in books but it would be very cool to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very popular book when I chaired the Scholastic Book Fair last year (or was it the year before? I've chaired it 5 times). What an awesome and memorable field trip! My daughter is a 6th grader and I think I may get this book for her, even with your reservations about it. I think she'd like it.
ReplyDeleteI thought this book was delightful. I will admit that I'm obsessed with pentominoes, so I'm sure that played a part. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great field trip! I visited the Norton-Simon a few times when I lived in LA and really enjoyed it.
Ever since reading "The Girl with the Pearl Earring", I've been interested in Vermeer. I've seen this painting in books but it would be very cool to see it in person.
ReplyDelete