Blue Balliett

"On a warm October night in Chicago, three deliveries were made in the same neighborhood. A plump tangerine moon had just risen over Lake Michigan. The doorbell had been rung at each place, and an envelope left propped outside."

Is it a coincidence that Ms. Hussey, the sixth-grade teacher at University School, challenges her class to think about letters that changed lives? This book is filled with coincidences, ones that sixth-graders Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay think may not be show more coincidence.

Why do the pentomino pieces that Calder carries seem to give him messages? How is it that Calder has a box with a reproduction of Vermeer's The Geographer that also hangs in the home of Mrs. Louisa Sharpe, whose book by Charles Fort Petra has found at Powell's Books, and why does Petra dream about Vermeer's Lady Writing? Is there any connection with the theft of that painting from the Art Institute of Chicago, and what about the odd things Calder's friend Tommy writes to him about in a pentomino-based code?

Described by the publisher as "a puzzle, wrapped in a mystery, disguised as an adventure, and delivered as a work of art", this "children's book" delighted this adult. Truly about the importance of seeing things new ways, reminding one of Holmes' comment, "you see, Watson, but you do not observe", Chasing Vermeer will have you looking at the world, at patterns, at coincidence in ways you never did before.

And there really is a puzzle for you to solve, hidden in Brett Helquist's black-and-white chapter illustrations. (You can go to the book's website for the solution if you want, but it's much more fun to figure it out on your own.)

This book had the extra attraction for me of being set in my neighborhood. It was great fun to have part of it take place at Powell's, one of my favorite used book stores, and to know which buildings Balliett renamed. It was a bit of a shock, though, to look at the map in the front of the book and find that the First Unitarian Church has been replaced by a Post Office, and that some other landmarks seem to have disappeared! show less

*I got this book for review for the publisher*

This book surprised me. I was enjoying it but the ending took me off guard. I loved the narrator that we had and how focused on the history of the islands it was. It did have some pacing issues but it was a fun story. I wish the kids character may have been more focused in the story. But the ending I def did not see coming and really eventually want to re-read this book and see how that knowledge effect the story. It was def. a creepier read but show more one the middle grade students would enjoy. I would def.read more by this autor in the future. show less

This, I loved. I sped through this book in a day. Those who are familiar with Balliett's series of art-inspired mysteries will find some familiar elements here, but this is a separate piece with new characters and circumstances. The narrative style and perspective might not be for everyone -- the book is told from the perspective of a boy who is legally blind and, though it is not explicitly stated in the book, mildly autistic, which may make some readers uncomfortable. I thought the unique show more style and perspective was wonderful -- not quite as well done as, say, Mark Haddon's in 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time', but still a great avenue for prompting the reader to look at things in a new way.

And this is a book that's all about looking at things in new ways. I won't give much away here, but the history-mystery (which connects with real places and artifacts, as is typical of Balliett) is a great deal of fun. There is enough darkness and tragedy here to lend realism to the narrative, but no need to worry about younger kids being upset -- this is solidly in the children's section, more advanced than a chapter book but perhaps not quite as involved as Balliett's art series -- everything is balanced with charm and a pervading tone of security. I found the characters sweet -- but not saccharine -- and clever, with a good measure of quirkiness. Overall, very much recommended for kids, particularly those who like mystery puzzles, and for adults who want a light, quick read. show less

This was all around fun. Actual mystery which was--for the most part--solved, and peacefully too. There was some fear induced grimacing at the end, but no actual knife-at-the-throat threatening. Clever, more than just a little, I had to scratch my head. I did not get those Pentominoes right away. The characters are very likeable and real. This is what Young Adult is. Interesting and not too bogged down with 'messages'. Yeesh.

You go, Blue!