Chasing Vermeer

Chasing Vermeer follows two sixth-grade students, Calder Pillay and Petra Andalee, who become entangled in an art mystery in their Hyde Park, Chicago neighborhood. When a valuable Vermeer painting vanishes during its transport to the Art Institute of Chicago, the pair takes on the challenge of tracking it down. The investigation leads them through a maze of clues involving pentominoes, codes, and coincidences while raising questions about art authenticity. The thief's public challenge to prove which Vermeer paintings are genuine forces the entire community to examine art and evidence in new ways. The book combines elements of mathematics, art history, and mystery-solving while featuring detailed illustrations by Brett Helquist. Set against the backdrop of the University of Chicago campus and its surrounding neighborhood, the story weaves local landmarks and history into the narrative. At its core, the novel explores themes of perception versus reality, the role of chance in daily life, and the often-overlooked capabilities of young minds to solve complex problems. It presents art history and mathematical concepts in an accessible format while celebrating intellectual curiosity.

Readers describe this middle-grade mystery as a cross between The Da Vinci Code and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Many note its appeal to puzzle-loving kids and art enthusiasts. Readers appreciated: - The integration of art history and mathematics - Complex puzzles that challenge young readers - Brett Helquist's illustrations - Educational value about Vermeer's work Common criticisms: - Plot relies too heavily on coincidences - Characters lack depth - Puzzle solutions feel unrealistic for 12-year-olds - Math/art concepts too advanced for target age group "The puzzles were impossible to solve along with the characters," notes one Amazon reviewer. "My 11-year-old got frustrated trying to follow the logic." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (37,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (450+ reviews) Common Sense Media: 4/5 (parent reviews) Scholastic: 4/5 (teacher reviews)

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🎨 Johannes Vermeer only has 35 known paintings in existence today, making each work incredibly valuable and rare. 📚 Author Blue Balliett worked as a teacher at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools for ten years before writing this novel. 🏛️ The Art Institute of Chicago, featured in the book, houses one actual Vermeer painting: "Young Woman at a Virginal." ✏️ Illustrator Brett Helquist is best known for his work on Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books. 🧩 The book includes pentominoes - mathematical puzzle pieces that readers can use to decode hidden messages throughout the story.