Scan barcode
repunzee's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
spaceygrace's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
rochellejsteele's review against another edition
4.0
This is the sequel to Chasing Vermear. It was really good, but I had some unanswered questions at the end.
heyalisa's review against another edition
5.0
a great adventure book that takes place right in chicago. i learned so much about fl wright and about the university of chicago. there is a lot of science, art and math in these book, which is really great.
dandelionfluff's review against another edition
4.0
I have to say, I'm impressed. Not many children's/young adult book authors would choose something like Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture and create a story around a particular building. It's a very smart read, and one that gets the audience thinking. I really did enjoy this one, and would put it in a school library or hand it to a child who has an interest in mystery. Definitely for a higher-level reader, and for someone who's inquisitive and likes imagining their world complexly. Or, perhaps, for a good reader who needs some world-expanding. With all that being said, it was difficult for me to really stretch this into 4 stars. In the end, I was more pleased with the subject matter than my criticisms, but they're still very much nagging me.
What also gets me is the freedom Petra and Calder have, and the way no adults worry about their walking about. My mom would never have let me walk to the corner store by myself, or stay home alone for so long. There are just too many moments where I go wow, their community is either very safe or these adults really don't care. And, as another reviewer has pointed out, it just feels like these 6th grade kids are maybe too empowered? That sounds awful when I say it, but at times it's like they have too much freedom.
Ms. Hussey is a wonderful character, but I can't help but feel that she's been using her class for her own art world goals. What better way to save a precious Wright house than get a bunch of innocent children vying for its salvation? She's extremely inquisitive and inspiring, but there's that undertow, that feeling of ulterior motive about it all. The house is saved, though, so again, maybe the ends justify the means.
I'm disappointed that we never really understand the invisible man, and never get an answer to the strange movement of the roof. Were these things real? I get caught up in these details, especially when the book relies so much on real places and actual history. Pulling together the odd happenings and these facts create a bit of tension in my mind. Maybe that's it: I don't know if I'm supposed to interpret these almost magical occurrences as fact, or- that word again- coincidence. Which one, Balliett? Is that the game we're playing? Did these things happen or didn't they? Who's responsible for the books? Who was the person on the train? Why does Petra's notebook align with Mrs. Sharpe's notebook? Where was that going? Ugh, too many questions.
I'm also a bit disappointed that yet again we get an ending where everything is wrapped up in a way the reader can't quite anticipate; these two brothers plotting to profit off the house, where could we have known? It seems very… convenient, to have these characters suddenly revealed and neatly explained. But it's a mystery for kids, so really, should I complain?
I know after all that grousing it seems like I didn't enjoy this at all. I did! But there are a lot of elements that didn't quite match up, and while this book is very smart and definitely entertaining, I'm still feeling oddly annoyed.
Spoiler
Personally, I get hung up on the coincidence theme that runs through both Chasing Vermeer and this one; it's very heavy-handed at this point, and I'm hoping that, should there be a third book, Balliett decides to go a different way about things. Yes, are all these events coincidences, or are the children attuned to the patterns of the world around them? It's fun, and makes me want to look at my life more closely (which I suppose makes it successful), but again, I'm hoping in the future she tries something else to set up intrigue. Also the way in which these pieces line up was a bit eye-rolling sometimes. Petra looking within herself and hearing the voice of the house, for instance. Is this really happening or are we just being swept along by the excitement of saving the house? Does Petra have an ability to communicate with art? Or are her thoughts coincidences? Calder's mother would be having none of this, yet we have this story that very much points to the presence of something fantastical going on. I'm not sure why this annoys me so much; I'm usually very good at suspending my disbelief, but somehow it irks me here.What also gets me is the freedom Petra and Calder have, and the way no adults worry about their walking about. My mom would never have let me walk to the corner store by myself, or stay home alone for so long. There are just too many moments where I go wow, their community is either very safe or these adults really don't care. And, as another reviewer has pointed out, it just feels like these 6th grade kids are maybe too empowered? That sounds awful when I say it, but at times it's like they have too much freedom.
Ms. Hussey is a wonderful character, but I can't help but feel that she's been using her class for her own art world goals. What better way to save a precious Wright house than get a bunch of innocent children vying for its salvation? She's extremely inquisitive and inspiring, but there's that undertow, that feeling of ulterior motive about it all. The house is saved, though, so again, maybe the ends justify the means.
I'm disappointed that we never really understand the invisible man, and never get an answer to the strange movement of the roof. Were these things real? I get caught up in these details, especially when the book relies so much on real places and actual history. Pulling together the odd happenings and these facts create a bit of tension in my mind. Maybe that's it: I don't know if I'm supposed to interpret these almost magical occurrences as fact, or- that word again- coincidence. Which one, Balliett? Is that the game we're playing? Did these things happen or didn't they? Who's responsible for the books? Who was the person on the train? Why does Petra's notebook align with Mrs. Sharpe's notebook? Where was that going? Ugh, too many questions.
I'm also a bit disappointed that yet again we get an ending where everything is wrapped up in a way the reader can't quite anticipate; these two brothers plotting to profit off the house, where could we have known? It seems very… convenient, to have these characters suddenly revealed and neatly explained. But it's a mystery for kids, so really, should I complain?
I know after all that grousing it seems like I didn't enjoy this at all. I did! But there are a lot of elements that didn't quite match up, and while this book is very smart and definitely entertaining, I'm still feeling oddly annoyed.
christinamp's review against another edition
4.0
Reread with my class the last month or so. It's a challenging book including for my high readers! Even for me, some parts are a bit too enigmatic/confusing. But it's still enjoyable, a la From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
akmargie's review against another edition
3.0
Very good but I hate to say it, the book was a little over my head.
williamsdebbied's review against another edition
4.0
Sixth grade detectives Petra and Calder are back, joined by Calder's friend Tommy on this adventure. Now they are trying to save Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. Another interesting mystery novel that examines the life and work of another famous artist (Frank Lloyd Wright--architect) as its characters ask themselves exactly what makes something art.
jesm98's review against another edition
3.0
My students enjoyed reading this book and finding the pictured fish along the way. There were good lessons and interesting happenings that we had plenty of places to discuss.
acommonclare's review against another edition
5.0
This book/series was a childhood favorite of mine so it has been really fun to reread at the age of 21. I love seeing the illustrations and the hardcover copy has some awesome details under the dust jacket. I love that this book deals so well with the awkwardness of adjusting a friend group. It's exciting and I think it teaches kids how to think differently and follow their passions and to be brave. I nm love how it tips into the whimsical. I think we can always use that kind of thinking. I'm excited to reread the second one because I remember it the least.