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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Re-read of a childhood favourite. Would recommend for 12 year olds who like puzzles and museums.
A great mystery for the middle grades. Educational as well as entertaining and it definitely makes you think and try to figure out the mystery!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I want to preface my review by stating that I don't think this is the best book to listen to. I liked the narrator's voice except when it came to voicing the dialogue. I found both Calder and Petra's voices to be nasally and a bit whiny. This was also a story where you need to pay close attention so as not to miss any details, which can be hard to do while driving! I've also been told there are helpful pictures in the book.
The book begins with three seemingly unrelated people receiving letters about an art crime. It then moves directly into the story of how Petra and Calder become friends and begin to notice strange coincidences concerning a stolen work of art by the painter Veneer.
People who enjoy puzzles and details of Chicago will be sure to enjoy this!
The book begins with three seemingly unrelated people receiving letters about an art crime. It then moves directly into the story of how Petra and Calder become friends and begin to notice strange coincidences concerning a stolen work of art by the painter Veneer.
People who enjoy puzzles and details of Chicago will be sure to enjoy this!
I read this kids "mystery" years ago, and I find myself thinking the same thoughts as I had then. This book isn't a mystery, it's a collection of coincidences, red herrings, codes, and People Being Very Serious that I find confusing at best, and boring and silly at its worst.
However, the kids in my book group really enjoyed reading it, so Balliett must be on to something. I do like that she wrote it really with kids in mind, with the driving idea that adults don't have all the answers while kids can figure more things out that adults would expect. Great purpose, story not for me.
However, the kids in my book group really enjoyed reading it, so Balliett must be on to something. I do like that she wrote it really with kids in mind, with the driving idea that adults don't have all the answers while kids can figure more things out that adults would expect. Great purpose, story not for me.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Such a cute story! I loved the interactive element to it (although I could have done with less letters between Calder and Tommy that I had to decode lol). Such a cool concept, and I look forward to reading her other books!
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping
adventurous
mysterious
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
it's just not that exciting when solutions magically pop into the heads of super-sleuths. more sleuthing. less popping.