About This Book
Reach for this book when you have a child who loves to take things apart to see how they work, or one who finds deeper meaning in the coincidences of daily life. Chasing Vermeer is a cerebral mystery that validates the power of a child's intuition and intellectual curiosity. As eleven-year-olds Petra and Calder team up to find a stolen masterpiece, they use mathematical pentominoes and literary patterns to outsmart the adults around them. Beyond the art heist, this story celebrates the beauty of thinking differently. It explores themes of intellectual independence, the definition of art, and the strength found in collaborative problem-solving. It is a perfect fit for middle-grade readers who enjoy puzzles, as it invites them to solve codes hidden within the book's own illustrations. This is an empowering choice for children who sometimes feel like their unique perspectives are overlooked by the grown-up world.
