Book Central: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet

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Chasing Vermeer
by Blue Balliet
When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen: seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company, and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth they must draw on their powers of intuition, their skills at problem solving, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has left even the FBI baffled?

Excerpt:
Hours later, under a sliver of moon, Petra was almost asleep. As she rolled over, squashing her pillow into position on top of her arm, a strange thing happened: although her eyes were closed, she seemed to be looking at a young woman.

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I think the book is great. It was fantastic. I could not put the book down. It is so amazing to me how eleven-year-old kids solved a mystery this international, even the police couldn't figure it out. I never knew puzzle pieces were that helpful. I hope the author writes a sequel to the first one or at least another one just like it. The mystery keeps you hanging on the end. I had the urge to go to the end of the book and find out who did it. I have my friend to thank for because she is the one who recommended it to me. I hope others will love this book as much as I have
Reshma S., Age 12

What I liked best about Chasing Vermeer was not knowing what to expect next. The book is so unpredictable and full of great twists and turns. I loved it!
Frannie M., Age 11

I absolutely loved this book! It's so good I may just read it again. I dedicated a notebook to it so I could take notes. I cannot wait until the sequel comes out! I just hope it will be as good! If you love art and are completely go-go over mysteries you will adore this book! It's so exciting and suspenseful. On a scale of 1-10 it gets a 20.
Allie S., Age 12

This was an amazing book. It's a whole new world, and a whole new way of thinking. The book makes its reader want to learn more about these characters who have become so real.
Lyn F., Age 13

IF YOU LIKE COMPLICATED PLOTS, THEN THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!
Sophie C., Age 10

This book was awesome. I can’t wait to read another one. I recommend it for any one older than 9.
J.G., Age 13

I have only read about five chapters but this book has got me thinking more than I have all summer!! I love books about things that most people don’t even think about!! This one is GREAT!!
Hatie P., Age 14

This book is the best book I have ever read! Anyone who likes to read should read this book.
Caitlin M., Age 10

I really love it!!!!! I wish that Ms. Balliett would make a sequel. And still Petra and Calder being the detectives. But, they are now older and adults and they are members of the FBI then a mystery happens!! Then there will be a bit of romance!! hehe.... What do you think??
Marga, Age 11

This was a really great book. I loved how they had the challenge in the illustrations too.
Alexandria S., Age 11

I loved this book. It just pulled me into it, and I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 days!
Aggie, Age 10

I think this book was fantastic and very suspenseful. But I kind of like that it leaves you hanging. It gives readers a chance to use their imagination and think up creative ways to answer their questions.
Skye S., Age 12

This book is spectacular! The only thing I was disappointed with was that the author hadn't written any other kids books! The characters, plot and setting was really good and it was fun to read.
Emily P, Age 12

This book is truly amazing I think that it is a great book for art history lovers. There were so many people in my class reading it and I never thought that it would be this good it should be a movie
Ian W., Age 11

This book causes you to think. It makes you really try to understand things that the author writes. It can be really hard. I liked it because I enjoy thinking.
Kiera E., Age 9

I really liked this book because there was always something to think about. I liked the character Petra because she sort of reminded me of myself. I liked decoding Calder's letters to his friend. When I asked my friends if they did that too, they said no. They missed out. I usually don't like mysteries, but this one was great!
Grace L., Age 12

I thought the book was great! I could barely put it down once I started it!
Bethany T, Age 12

Chasing Vermeer is a true and intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing. You will not want to put down this book for one instance. You will even try to solve many things yourself. I truly enjoyed this book. The author is brilliant.
Alexandra K., Age 12

This was such an intriguing book, filled with superb red herrings that end NOWHERE until the very last pages! A book you will love and will never be able to put down. An awesome read!
Maggie S., Age 11

Chasing Vermeer was a truly thrilling story. I really enjoyed the mystery behind it. Usually, in mystery books I can unravel the mystery before the author states it plainly in the text, but while reading Chasing Vermeer I could not make any assumptions, or find the answer to the mystery. I like how you incorporated mystery into the pictures, that was a truly brilliant idea! My compliments.
Claire B. Age 11

This book was amazing! My sister was reading it and allowed me to try and catch up to where she was... At first I thought it was going to be a book for younger kids, but it was so good I ended up reading the entire book before she even got done! I love stories with Art and Mystery so this is one of my new-found favorites!
Ashlea L. Age 15

Chasing Vermeer has excitement and many great puzzles to solve. This book is one of the best books I have ever read. If you like puzzles this is the book for you.
Claire S. Age 11

I give this book a ten! I thought it was great! It is perfect for anyone who likes art and mysteries. It is full of suspense and really keeps you involved in the story. I agree with M.L. and Emma W., I think there should be a sequel. Right now I am reading Sammy Keyes and the art of deception. It is almost the exact same but it doesn't even have nearly as much suspense as Chasing Vermeer.
Olivia C. Age 12

This book was amazing. I never wanted to put it down!! The clues were great. Anyone who likes mysteries will love it.
Sue L. Age 11

It was a suspenseful book to read.
Melanie B. Age 13

This book was very good and had a wonderful puzzle, which was also very challenging. If you have not read this book, you should, it is really fun to get involved in the mystery. :)
Atii A. Age 11

It was wonderful. I don’t know how the author could have come up with all that so I think it is an amazing book
Kelly C. Age 11

What I liked best about Chasing Vermeer was not knowing what to expect next. The book is so unpredictable and full of great twists and turns. I loved it!
Frannie M., Age 11

Chasing Vermeer has excitement and many great puzzles to solve. This book is one of the best books I have ever read. If you like puzzles this is the book for you.
Claire S. Age 11

This book was amazing. I never wanted to put it down!! The clues were great. Anyone who likes mysteries will love it.
Sue L. Age 11

It was a suspenseful book to read.
Melanie B. Age 13

This book was very good and had a wonderful puzzle, which was also very challenging. If you have not read this book, you should, it is really fun to get involved in the mystery :)
Atii A. Age 11

It was wonderful. I don’t know how the author could have come up with all that so I think it is an amazing book
Kelly C. Age 11

This book contains avid mystery and I absolutely feel that the story makes you wonder, just how much of peoples lives do we think we know.
Ruby C. Age 12

It was so awesome. I mean really cool. I loved that book
Kennedy V. Age 10

This was a great mystery book. I read all the clues very carefully and couldn't wait until the mystery was solved. I can't wait to read another one. Anyone who loves mysteries should read this book. I also wish that Ms. Balliett would make a sequel to tell what happens to Petra and Calder.
M.L. Age 12

This book is like so awesome. A kid I knew gave me a copy of it and said it was awesome. Plus I loved the artwork.
Fuzzymold Age 14

I thought this was a great book. It has such a complicated plot, that you can never predict what is going to happen. I hope that Ms.Balliet makes a sequel sometime. I'll be the 1st to buy it if there is one!
Emma W., 12,

This book is a must have. You won't be able to pry yourself loose near the end!
Diana J. Age 9

Chasing Vermeer is an exciting mystery. It's good for those who like art, surprising solutions, and a lot of action. This is one of my favorite books that falls into that genre. I like how the author includes secret codes in the text, and hidden codes in the pictures. It is challenging, but a really awesome book. There are so many coincidences, and special things to this mystery that really make you think.
Courtney T. Age 12

This book was a great book to read over the summer! I loved it! There were so many problems to figure out! Also the picture challenge was really fun to do! This book was awesome!!! I rate it a five star book!
Caitlin W. Age 12

Chasing Vermeer is really one awesome book. The plot leaps along, and you want to keep reading. Ms. Balliett portrays her characters so realistically that you feel as if you are actually part of the book. Once I read it, this became my favorite book because it really gets you thinking. It was the perfect book for me because I love to think and read.
Elliya C. Age 11

This was an amazing book. It's a whole new world, and a whole new way of thinking. The book makes its reader want to learn more about these characters who have become so real.
Lyn F., Age 13

If you like complicated plots, then this is the book for you!
Sophie Currin, Age 10

This book was awesome. I can’t wait to read another one. I recommend it for any one older than 9.
J. G. Age 13

This book is the best book I have ever read! Anyone who likes to read should read this book.
Caitlin M. Age 10

This was a really great book. I loved how they had the challenge in the illustrations too.
Alexandria S. Age 11

I loved this book. It just pulled me into it, and I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 days!
Aggie Age 10

This book is spectacular! The only thing I was disappointed with was that the author hadn't written any other kids books! The characters, plot and setting were really good and it was fun to read.
Emily P Age 12

This book causes you to think. It makes you really try to understand things that the author writes. It can be really hard. I liked it because I enjoy thinking.
Kiera E. Age 9

I thought the book was great! I could barely put it down once I started it!
Bethany T Age 12

This book is amazing. At first I didn't want to read it, and now it is my favorite book. I believe that anyone who is anyone should read it. It is a thriller and if you love unexplainable coincidences you should read it.
Autumn G. Age 10

This book was full of action, and art and those are some of the things I would like books to have. There were some parts that were a little scary with all the deaths and murders.
Kelly D. Age 10

This book was good except that it left you with a lot of questions. For instance, what was Petra's father doing at the hall at night? I guess this book should have a sequel. Otherwise this book was perfect.
Sam, Age 10

I love this book because it's full of mystery and it makes you want to keep on reading. This book gave me a whole new way of looking at things. This book rocked!!!
Jencey P. Age 10

Love it! The pantomimes are really hard, but so much fun to do! Please make another one!
Sarah N. Age 11

This book has all sorts of twists, and it made me figure out the secret messages. This is one of the very best books that I ever read. If you are in 4th through 8th grade, this book is an excellent choice!
Will W. Age 11

This book is so awesome! I couldn't put it down. I am not much of a reader but this book really took me into another world. Me and my friends got caught out during boring classes trying to figure out the code!! READ READ
Emma.H. Age 11

This book was great. I love mysteries and math so they go together great. I recommended this book to any math wiz and mystery fan.
Nicolle B. Age 12

This book is just great! It's a great mystery. It keeps you hanging. The end is so surprising!
Liza R .Age 13

This book was great! The puzzle in the pictures seemed easy at first, but it was actually harder than I thought. Just goes to show that life is unpredictable and strange, which this well-written book has shown. A bit confusing at first, but if you want a challenge, GO FOR IT!!!
Madeline S. Age 13

Its a great mystery, and it is very brilliant as you see all the puzzle pieces fall into place- and everything connects. I totally recommend it to all ages.
Ashley M. Age 14

This book is a great one because you think you know what's going to happen and who is responsible, but it has a surprise ending leaving you saying Whoa!
Hayley P. Age 13

This book was very interesting and was extremely suspenseful. The author did a great job of keeping the reader guessing. This book was amazing. It's hard to find a good mystery
Rose M Age 14

This book's awesome. I read it in one day! I wish there were more books like it! Keep 'em coming Scholastic!
Seth S. Age 12

It got me thinking for a long time and I just couldn't put the book down after I started it. I recommend this book to any mystery fan.
Elaine L. Age 12

This was a super book. It gave me a whole new way of looking at things. I would recommend this book to anyone. A great read for all.
Kristen K. Age 12

This book rocked. It captured the imagination with subtle clues and pure mystery. Great!
Cassie P. Age 12

WOW. Amazing. It is so hard to find a book like this one. It is wonderful.
Johnny M. Age 13

I think it was a really good book and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read mysteries!! :)
Kira M. Age 12

It is confusing and amusing at the same time. Even my friends catch me at it trying to work out the secret message.
Shellie K. Age 9

This was one of the most thought provoking, interactive, and all around greatest books ever written. I really enjoyed how the code was woven into the story. This is one of the few books I would recommend to everyone.
Kelsey L. Age 11

I really liked this book. It was a good mystery that kept you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Although the "coincidences" were unrealistic, this was otherwise a very intriguing story. I recommend it to all mystery fans.
Allie S. Age 12

I thought this book was great. I was first a little bored and then it started to get better and better. I was hoping they wouldn't find the book. But it had to end some time.
Jason S. Age 15

This book was anything but ordinary, in a good way. It has amazing wording and is brilliant and full of suspense. I couldn't take my eyes off it! I've recommended it to everyone I know, and now we're doing it in my book group. Thank you, Blue!
Neve S. Age 11

I read a lot of books and this one (Chasing Vermeer) was the best!! I liked how there was a code incorporated into the story. I had to make myself read slowly and remember the story. To me, this book rates a 10+!!!
Elena W. Age 11

What a treat to read this book! I am a 4th grade teacher and have been inspired to teach like Ms. Hussey and think like all of the terrific characters! Thanks for writing such a fantastic book!
Sapphira F. Age 29

I loved this book. It was so cool how you could look at the pictures and try to solve the puzzle. I don't know how Blue Balliet wrote this book making it connect with pentominos. Everything else fits together like puzzle works. I don't know how anyone could keep come up with such amazing ideas to connect events together. I think this book should be read in school between the grades 5-8. It would be a great book to learn about pentominos and a fun literature mystery.
Molly M. Age 13

This book is very well described and got me very hooked to the book. I love trying to figure out the mystery and crack the codes. This book by far is one of the best books I've ever read.
Tyra F., Age 12

This book has got to be one of the best-written books ever. The way the characters thought and were described remind me a lot of myself. The author did an awesome job on putting together the plot, the mystery and the solution behind everything
Gina C. Age 14

I loved this book not only because I live in Chicago and have been to the art museum there but also because I love trying to crack the code.
Aubrey H. Age 11

I thought that the book was really fun, the codes and characters kept you thinking. I also enjoyed that it was set in Chicago, however, I thought that the book moved slowly in the middle when they kept thinking they had figured out the secret to finding the painting, otherwise I thought that it was well written.
Brianna B. Age 13

I think it was very good and intriguing. I read it in one day I was so into it. I think that this is a book that you should read if you like
mysteries because they throw out clues at you and then something else happens that changes you idea about almost everything!
Alissa G. Age 12

Chasing Vermeer is an amazingly well written book. It is confusing at first but the solution seems so obvious once it is uncovered. The book, in a word, was brilliant. Thank you Blue Balliet!
Rachel J. Age 12

'Chasing Vermeer' kept me hanging on to every word. I felt excited througho
Michael C. Age 12

It was outstanding- especially for the first from an author! It kept me thinking and having fun! It helped me to feel like I was more then just reading the story. It was great! Definently one of my new favorites! Keep up the books Blue Balliett (please!) Thanks!!!!
Kevin C. Age 13

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I teach 5th grade and found so many ways that I could integrate this book into my curriculum. It is difficult finding math literature for the middle school level. I think anyone interested in solving mysteries and puzzles will enjoy this book.
Susan,S. Age 41

It is a fast moving book with many puzzles that were fun to solve. The author kept me in the dark as to motivation of the characters right until the end. It was a real page-turner. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.
Juliana K. Age 10

I think this book was great. It was suspenseful and gave me something to think about. It was one of the best books I read over the summer.
Emma M. Age 12

I thought Chasing Vermeer was an amazing book. It led me to suspect many different people and the ending was very surprising. I loved the twist in the ending! I would suggest this book to any of my friends!!!
Caitlin H. Age 16

This is an awesome book. It is really interesting and a little mysterious.
It is a must have for children and adults.
Theo-Alyce G. Age 11

It is hard to believe this is Balliet's first novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and was captivated by the mystery and Helquist's illustrations. I love the pentominoes, and have actually printed a set from your website. I read the book in one day it intrigued me so much.
Kristy T. Age 32

Chasing Vermeer is one of the most gripping books I have ever read! When I finished reading it, I almost cried, because I missed the suspense of reading it. Thank you, Mrs. Balliet, for creating such a wonderful book!
Lizzie D. Age 11

This book is great for people who like mysteries, and those who don't. I, personally, do not really like mysteries, but this is practically my favorite book. I am anxious for the next Balliett book! Best Book!!!!!
Rebecca G. Age 11

This book was awesome. I liked that u didn't know the ending and always had to second-guess yourself on what was going to happen. GOOD JOB!!!
Shawn D. Age 13

I really liked this book! It was puzzling yet full of surprises. If you like mysteries, then this is the book for you!!
Maria A. Age 11

This book was incredible! I loved reading and solving the puzzles. I really recommend it!
Sarah Z. Age 12

The book was amazing...a little confusing but it totally go the reader involved. The coincidences were very creative. I.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IT!!!
Erin C. Age 13