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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I loved this book as it took me into a world of mystery and novelty. The way it was explained fit in with the weird coincidences strung in each page. And Calder Pillay is an only child who LOVES his pentominoes in the book Chasing Vermeer. He is a person who loves mystery and surprise. It is a bit more descriptive in the book about exactly who he is.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Might use excerpts for future lesson plans
One more star just for the ending. I loved the last few chapters but getting there was painful.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
***USING RATING SYSTEM 1.0***
Story: 2/4
Story: 2/4
- The story is simple and somewhat engaging, but it lacks enough originality or depth to make it a memorable read.
Characters: 2/4
- The characters are somewhat developed, but they don't stand out and may not evoke strong emotions in the reader.
Setting: 2/4
- The setting is described well enough to give a basic sense of where the story takes place.
Writing: 2/4
- The writing style is clear and easy to read, with some interesting elements.
Vibes: 1/4
- I read it, but it wasn't anything noteworthy.
- Overall a mostly forgettable read.
Overall Score: 9/20
Star Rating: 2.25/5
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
This book alternates point of view between the two main characters, a boy and a girl, so I think it could be enjoyed by either. Kids will probably better relate to bickering/tension between the two than I could. Also, I felt that there were some unclear moments where the author didn't give clear reasoning for things that were happening, they just did because she wrote it. It's a good adventure, though, and a lot of kids probably won't care about that. Also, it made me curious enough to look up some stuff about Vermeer and look at his paintings, so if it can inspire others to do so as well, that's pretty great!
Because it fits so nicely in our summer reading theme and I think kids will like it, I'm going to booktalk it. Here it is:“Dear Friend, I would like your help in identifying a crime that is now centuries old.” Thus begins the mystery, “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett. Interspersed w/ code, this book invites you to help solve the mystery of whether all the paintings attributed to Vermeer were actually painted by him. Two students, Calder and Petra, who alternately narrate the tale, become caught up in an international art theft in their quest to help solve the mystery. Side note: I looked up Vermeer’s paintings online so I could see what some of the paintings they talk about in the book look like.
Because it fits so nicely in our summer reading theme and I think kids will like it, I'm going to booktalk it. Here it is:“Dear Friend, I would like your help in identifying a crime that is now centuries old.” Thus begins the mystery, “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett. Interspersed w/ code, this book invites you to help solve the mystery of whether all the paintings attributed to Vermeer were actually painted by him. Two students, Calder and Petra, who alternately narrate the tale, become caught up in an international art theft in their quest to help solve the mystery. Side note: I looked up Vermeer’s paintings online so I could see what some of the paintings they talk about in the book look like.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Normally, I'm not a big fan of mystery books, but this book was an exception. I think one of the only reasons I picked it up and read it at all is because the book takes place in Hyde Park, Chicago. But definitely an OK mystery book.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Reread of an old favorite, made even more fun this time by the fact that I had recently finished a book about an actual forger of Vermeer works! And on the day I finished Chasing Vermeer, the weekly newsletter from my son's school reported that one of their classes is reading this book as part of a mystery unit. Lo! So many coincidences... or are they? Worthy of Charles Fort's attention, perhaps? :) For those who have no idea what I am talking about, read the book and you will see! It's a delightful read for all ages! And I even cracked the picture code this time around!!!