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s_raza's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Really exciting mystery! Art forgery, super spies, a boy with amnesia, and a cold chase on a winter's night in Washington DC. Can Art and Camille escape and figure out who Art really is before it's too late? Recommended for grades 4 & up. QR codes linked to the artwork mentioned is a plus.
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
My husband and two kiddos read this one, over a series of weeks, at bedtime, and LOVED it! (Yes, we still do bedtime stories --on the couch, every night -- for our kiddos.)
It's fast-paced. My family speculated about the bad guy before he was revealed (and got it wrong!), and we thoroughly enjoyed the QR codes.
We liked it so much we've put Deron Hicks' other two books on hold at the library!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
It's fast-paced. My family speculated about the bad guy before he was revealed (and got it wrong!), and we thoroughly enjoyed the QR codes.
We liked it so much we've put Deron Hicks' other two books on hold at the library!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
brax4909's review against another edition
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
eitan743's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jbrooxd's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic!! Loved the mystery and the characters. QR codes in the text take you to images of the works of art in the book. Terrific!
I received an electronic arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an electronic arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
debrichmond's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for so many reasons. When a boy with amnesia is found in the National Gallery, he must rely on his wits and a new friend to figure out his past and a mystery. The plot moves along nicely and keeps the reader entertained and guessing. I love that sprinkled throughout the book are QR codes linked to the works of art mentioned. I learned so much about art and art forgeries. Add this to your middle school classroom/library!
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Did you enjoy Chasing Vermeer? Did you find Under the Egg intriguing? Perhaps you love the classic From the Mixed-Up Files of Mr.s Basil E. Frankweiler? Then make room on your bookshelf for The Van Gogh Deception.
When a boy with amnesia turns up mysteriously at the National Gallery, no one is quite sure what to do with him or where he came from. Placing him in short-term foster care and running ads asking for information about him seems a good place to start. But a trip back to the museum to see if it stirs any memories turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse through D.C. The boy called Art (due to the name Arthur inside his jacket), and his foster parent's daughter Camille have to outwit trained operatives while still ignorant of what these agents are after.
Full of chase scenes, daring escapes, quick thinking and courage by our young duo, the pursuit leaves a trail from the museum through D.C. and has the police and Camille's mother following as quickly as possible. The references to classic pieces of art are accompanied by QR codes in the text that allow readers to pull up images of the painting or sculpture being discussed. And most of the images also have background information about the piece and its creator - perfect for anyone whose curiosity is piqued by the story.
Besides the books I already mentioned, other good comparisons would be to say this is a middle grade version of something like The DaVinci Code or "National Treasure." If you enjoy mystery and suspense mixed with action and clever protagonists, you need a copy of this book.
I read a copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
When a boy with amnesia turns up mysteriously at the National Gallery, no one is quite sure what to do with him or where he came from. Placing him in short-term foster care and running ads asking for information about him seems a good place to start. But a trip back to the museum to see if it stirs any memories turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse through D.C. The boy called Art (due to the name Arthur inside his jacket), and his foster parent's daughter Camille have to outwit trained operatives while still ignorant of what these agents are after.
Full of chase scenes, daring escapes, quick thinking and courage by our young duo, the pursuit leaves a trail from the museum through D.C. and has the police and Camille's mother following as quickly as possible. The references to classic pieces of art are accompanied by QR codes in the text that allow readers to pull up images of the painting or sculpture being discussed. And most of the images also have background information about the piece and its creator - perfect for anyone whose curiosity is piqued by the story.
Besides the books I already mentioned, other good comparisons would be to say this is a middle grade version of something like The DaVinci Code or "National Treasure." If you enjoy mystery and suspense mixed with action and clever protagonists, you need a copy of this book.
I read a copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
toryhallelujah's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. Meh. It all takes place over roughly 24 hours, so I found it hard to get a grasp on the broader story, since the pacing covers basically every minute in the day and doesn't leave much space for the reader to piece together their own interpretation of things.