About the Book

Supersleuths Petra and Calder, along with Calder’s old friend Tommy, have been cryptically drawn into another mystery—this time involving a Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece, the Robie House. When the kids’ sixth-grade class attempts to save the Robie house from demolition, eerie events are reported: Voices float out from within,shadows shift behind the art-glass windows, even the roof moves. SoonPetra, Calder, and Tommy are involved in a frightening search for ghosts,hidden treasure, and a coded message left behind by Wright. Can they pursue justice and escape with their lives?

Reading

Good readers make predictions as they read a story.These predictions are based on facts and evidence and the
understanding of what makes a good story. As you read The Wright 3 create a chart with 3 columns (Chapter, Prediction, Evidence to Justify Prediction). Remember:predictions don’t have to be correct to be good predictions. In fact, reading would be pretty boring if we always knew what was going to happen next! Predictions are even more likely to be wrong when you’re reading a mystery!

Math + Art = Beauty
Design a piece of art based on the Fibonacci principle or the Golden Rectangle. You can be inspired by something from the natural world or use shapes and colors of your own imagination. It can be something that could be incorporated into a building, or not! Explain your process in a brief artist’s statement that you include with the work.

Architecture

As a class, create a timeline of architectural styles throughout history. In your research compare the following elements: horizontal or vertical orientation, traditional materials used, balance and symmetry, cohesion with environment. Are there any buildings in your neighborhood that you think are works of art? Why? Visit this guide to The Wright 3 developed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust at: http://www.wrightplus.org/programs/Wright3_Curriculum Guide.pdf

Art history

What makes an artist? Create a biography of a person who is famous in a field that you are (for now, at least) most interested in pursuing. Would you consider this person an artist in their field? Find or create a portrait of them and then on an index card answer the following questions: Who is this person? What field is their work in? When did they get started? Where can a person see theirwork? Why are they important?

Writing

Did you notice how awkward things felt between Calder, Petra, and Tommy? One of the ways that Blue Balliett was able to accomplish this was through the dialogue among the three characters. Write a scene between three people where you reveal(remember to show, don’t tell) some underlying conflict. Examples you might explore: jealousy, annoyance, envy, etc.

Internet Resources

To find great resources on Frank Lloyd Wright visit:

www.wrightplus.org (Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation) A wonderful 3D design studio!

www.pbs.org/flw/ (Frank Lloyd Wright by Ken Burns)