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isaacblevins 's review for:
Under the Egg
by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
When Theo Tenpenny's grandfather, Jack, dies, she isn't sure how she's going to make ends meet, keep her family's house and take care of her rather unstable mother. Theo, however, is incredibly resourceful - and soon finds herself caught up in the mysterious history of a painting that Jack seems to have kept hidden for decades. Could the painting be the answer to her problems? Could it be the beginning to a whole new set of difficulties? Could it change the way she thinks of her grandfather forever?
Witty, creative, intriguing and filled with fantastic characters, Under the Egg is a wonderful novel and an exciting addition to the cannon of young adult literature. Many have compared it's art-centered mystery to that of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - but I'm not sure that comparison is accurate. While both books feature young people attempting to discover the history of works of art, Under the Egg is a much more satisfying investigation. Rather than having to sift through the files of an eccentric collector, Theo and her friends exhaust almost every resource available in their quest for answers. In addition, there is far more at stake than the curiosity of a couple of runaway kids from suburbia. This isn't to say that From the Mixed Up Files... is a bad book or that it doesn't deserve its status as a classic...Under the Egg just scratches a deeper itch.
This book is perfect for readers looking for strong female characters, history buffs, art fans and anyone who loves a good mystery. If you loved From the Mixed Up Files, you're gonna be head over heels for Under the Egg. Give it a try and see if you don't find yourself suddenly drawn to Google for more info about Renaissance art, lost masterpieces and a host of other subjects that I dare not mention for risk of spoilers!
Witty, creative, intriguing and filled with fantastic characters, Under the Egg is a wonderful novel and an exciting addition to the cannon of young adult literature. Many have compared it's art-centered mystery to that of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - but I'm not sure that comparison is accurate. While both books feature young people attempting to discover the history of works of art, Under the Egg is a much more satisfying investigation. Rather than having to sift through the files of an eccentric collector, Theo and her friends exhaust almost every resource available in their quest for answers. In addition, there is far more at stake than the curiosity of a couple of runaway kids from suburbia. This isn't to say that From the Mixed Up Files... is a bad book or that it doesn't deserve its status as a classic...Under the Egg just scratches a deeper itch.
This book is perfect for readers looking for strong female characters, history buffs, art fans and anyone who loves a good mystery. If you loved From the Mixed Up Files, you're gonna be head over heels for Under the Egg. Give it a try and see if you don't find yourself suddenly drawn to Google for more info about Renaissance art, lost masterpieces and a host of other subjects that I dare not mention for risk of spoilers!