Not as good as Chasing Vermeer -- a little more contrived, a little less genuine. ( )

Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

Twelve-year-old Tommy Segovia has returned to Chicago after a year away, and everything is different. His old house is completely different, and he doesn't live there anymore. His best friend, Calder, seems to have a new best friend, and it's a girl! And, the city wants to tear down Robie House, the historic Frank Lloyd Wright home that has always been a fixture in their neighborhood.

Calder Pillay is torn between his two close friends. He and Tommy have been best friends forever, but he and Petra solved a major mystery and crime together (Chasing Vermeer). They both have great and different talents, and Calder knows that if they could just all work together they could make an amazing team. Maybe even good enough to save Robie House. But it looks like he's going to be stuck in the middle for awhile. If only people could be more like his pentominoes. (Pentominoes are a mathematical tool, a set of twelve shapes of five connected squares. Calder keeps a set in his pocket; they help him think.)

Petra Andalee is a quiet girl who likes her books and writing, and she can't figure out why Tommy dislikes her so much. She and Calder make a good team, and Tommy and Calder make a good team, so where's the problem? She's torn between wanting to prove herself and feeling like she shouldn't have to. Either way, she intends to find a way to save one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces.

Between Tommy's finding skills, Calder's logic, and Petra's unique analysis, they aren't about to let the house go quietly. Provided they trust each other enough. And the house might have a few things to say about it, too.

There is A LOT going on in this stand alone sequel to Chasing Vermeer.

Obviously there is the relationship between the three main characters, and the attempt to save Robie House. There is some Frank Lloyd Wright history, as well as Robie House-specific history. There is also mathematical figuring, and architectural oddities. There are even hidden pictures inside the illustrations. It also brings up some interesting ideas about the science of art and the art of science. There's so much happening that I almost feel like I need to go through the book a few separate times, looking at it from different angles.

There aren't many young fiction books geared toward a math/science type mind. If you're that type, I think you will really appreciate and enjoy this book. And even if you're not, it's still a good adventure! ( )

This book is a great mystery, though i like Chasing Vermeer a lot better. This book is another intriguing book that anyone who likes mysteries, pentominoes, and teamwork can read. ( )

Clever writing. Rich. ( )

For anyone who grew up in Hyde Park, or knows the area well, The Wright 3 is a particularly delightful read.

It is easy to picture the wonder and magic of Chicago from a child's perspective in Blue Balliett's writing and Brett Helquist's illustrations. The descriptions (and drawings) of the Art Institute are spot on.

The story, while a tad far fetched, keeps up a good pace. The Wright 3 has the potential to captivate one's imagination at any age.

I would certainly recommend reading The Wright 3, but perhaps after meeting the 6th grade sleuths in the previous book, Chasing Vermeer. ( )