Blue Balliett writes middle-grade mysteries that combine art, architecture, codes and children who solve problems by noticing patterns adults overlook. Chasing Vermeer follows Calder Pillay and Petra Andalee in Chicago after a Vermeer painting disappears, bringing pentominoes, newspaper clues and questions about authenticity into the investigation. The Wright 3 turns towards Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, while The Calder Game uses the work of sculptor Alexander Calder as part of another puzzle. Balliett’s books are thoughtful rather than action-heavy, and the illustrations and visual clues often matter to how readers participate in the mystery. Her work sits within children’s art mystery, puzzle fiction and school-age detective stories. Chasing Vermeer is the defining entry for readers who enjoy solving alongside the characters and want real works of art built into the plot. Read more Less
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