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Blue Balliett
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Chasing Vermeer (Scholastic Gold) Paperback – May 1, 2005

by Blue Balliett (Author), Brett Helquist (Illustrator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 946 ratings
Teachers' pick
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  1. Edgar AwardWinner, 2005
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Purchase options and add-ons

This bewitching first novel is a puzzle, wrapped in a mystery, disguised as an adventure, and delivered as a work of art.

Chasing Vermeer joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

When a book of unexplainable occurences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has stumped even the FBI?

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  1. Reading age
    9 - 11 years, from customers
  2. Book 1 of 4
    Chasing Vermeer
  3. Print length
    304 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    4 - 7
  6. Lexile measure
    770L
  7. Dimensions
    5.32 x 0.61 x 7.59 inches
  8. Publisher
    Scholastic Paperbacks
  9. Publication date
    May 1, 2005
  10. ISBN-10
    0439372976
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0439372978
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From the Publisher

Chasing Vermeer
Attack of the Black Rectangles (Scholastic Gold)
Millicent Min, Girl Genius (Scholastic Gold) (The Millicent Min Trilogy)
Because of the Rabbit (Scholastic Gold)
The Parker Inheritance (Scholastic Gold)
Freak the Mighty (Scholastic Gold)
Rules (Scholastic Gold)
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars 314
4.5 out of 5 stars 112
4.7 out of 5 stars 364
4.6 out of 5 stars 852
4.7 out of 5 stars 5,861
4.6 out of 5 stars 3,473
Price $6.20 $7.50 $8.99 $6.65 $5.79 $6.40
More Scholastic Gold Award-winning author Amy Sarig King takes on censorship and intolerance in a novel she was born to write. From Newbery Honor Award-winning author, Lisa Yee. Who would have thought being smart could be so hard (and funny)? Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord has written a sensitive and accessible book about the challenges of fitting in when you know you're a little different. When Candice finds a letter in an old attic, she isn't sure she should read it, but the letter describes an injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding its writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle. Two boys - a slow learner stuck in the body of a teenage giant and a tiny Einstein in leg braces - forge a unique friendship when they pair up to create one formidable human force. (Made into the film, The Mighty.) This Newbery Honor Book is a heartfelt and witty story about feeling different and finding acceptance -- beyond the rules.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Blue Balliett is the author of several bestselling, acclaimed mystery novels, including Hold Fast, Chasing Vermeer (a Book Sense Book of the Year and an Edgar Award winner), The Wright 3, The Calder Game, and The Danger Box. She writes in the laundry room of her home in Chicago, Illinois, and you can find her online at blueballiettbooks.com.
Brett Helquist was born in Ganado, Arizona, and grew up in Orem, Utah. He entered Brigham Young University as an engineering major, but soon realized this was not the right choice for him. Having decided to take time off from college, he headed to Taiwan where he stumbled into a job illustrating English textbooks, which he enjoyed. There, a friend introduced him to an illustration student, also from Brigham Young University. This introduction inspired Brett to eventually switch majors. After spending a year in Taiwan, he went back to BYU and transferred to the illustration department. In 1993 he received a fine arts degree in illustration.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Paperbacks
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 1, 2005
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ First Paperback Edition
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0439372976
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0439372978
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 11 years, from customers
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.32 x 0.61 x 7.59 inches
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Chasing Vermeer
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 770L
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 946 ratings

About the author

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Blue Balliett

Blue Balliett

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Blue Balliett grew up in New York City, where she often visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Frick Collection. She took public transportation to school around the city, and discovered early that every crowded bus or train is packed with mystery and drama'and that stories are everywhere. Balliett studied art history at Brown University. She and her family lived year-round on Nantucket Island for many years, and now live in Chicago. Before becoming a full-time writer, she taught at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Balliett is a recipient of the Chicago Public Library's 21st Century Award, the first time the award was given to a children's book writer. She has appeared on NBC's Today Show and has been featured in various national and international publications.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
946 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book fun to read and appreciate its mystery elements, with one noting it's particularly engaging for 4-6 graders. Moreover, the book is well-suited for primary school students and features excellent writing that incorporates art. Additionally, customers like the character development. However, the plot receives mixed reactions from customers.

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Mystery contentReadabilityAge rangeWriting qualityCharacter developmentPlot
52 customers mention "Mystery content"45 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery content of the book, particularly its puzzles and engaging plot, with one customer noting it's perfect for 4-6 graders.

"This book was very cute, and we loved the activities included in the back!" Read more

"...story for it's age group, and the puzzles, in addition, add to the adventure...." Read more

"...The book itself is an mystery, but the pictures also are a mystery. Crack the code with the pictures and you add to the story...." Read more

"...She gives the book five stars because the book kept her in suspense at all times...." Read more

51 customers mention "Readability"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and fun to read, with one mentioning it's a good choice for summer reading.

"Such a great read. I remember this book from middle school and wanted to read it again! I got it used and you could barely tell!" Read more

"My son had a 5th grade project on this book! I enjoyed reading along with him. Very fun book" Read more

"...A great read!" Read more

"The book itself is excellent, but the copy Amazon shipped me arrived with crumpled corners and a rip in the cover, and the replacement copy I..." Read more

19 customers mention "Age range"16 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's age-appropriate content, describing it as a fun adventure suitable for primary school students, with one customer highlighting the engaging pentomino code activity.

"This is a delightful story for it's age group, and the puzzles, in addition, add to the adventure...." Read more

"...It was fun using the pentomino code to decode the letters in the book, and to try to solve the hidden puzzle in the pictures...." Read more

"...The pages are perforated, so the guides can be used as consumable items, but they can be used for small groups, as well." Read more

"...The author also captured Petra and Calder very well - typical kids doing typical kid stuff. Very well done...." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its use of art and historical elements, with one customer highlighting how the author cleverly weaves history into the narrative.

"This book was very cute, and we loved the activities included in the back!" Read more

"...But most of all, I am delighted that it brought attention to the "real" arts, in this case a particular work of Johannes Vermeer...." Read more

"...Well written though not always logical, the mystery's solution is less compelling than the cameraderie that develops between these two likable young..." Read more

"Storyline and writing is entertaining for the average 3rd-4th grader. Great writer for introducing chapter book reading to young students...." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book.

"...so excited by this book when I started reading it -- it sets up interesting characters, an exciting mystery, and a visual puzzle for the reader to..." Read more

"...to wrap your brain around, a whole lot of suspense, and well-written characters, absolutely go for this book. It's an incredible ride." Read more

"Good story line. I feel like I connect with the characters. The pictures are just so pretty and detailed. I love it." Read more

"...While I loved the characters, it was unnecessarily confusing. Several subplots don't go anywhere." Read more

19 customers mention "Plot"13 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot of the book, with some appreciating the storyline while others find it poorly structured.

"...Elizabeth Balliett writes a fast-moving story that carries you along with Calder and Petra to find out who is at the center of the Vermeer heist...." Read more

"...She says it ended with a cliffhanger and she is looking forward to reading the series...." Read more

"...Plot-wise it wasn't super tight but I enjoyed the characters enough to overlook all that!" Read more

"...This book not only is a fantastic story, but uses art, geometry, patterns, and geography to tell the story...." Read more

Used not new
1 out of 5 stars
Used not new
I was purchasing a brand new book and I paid the price for a brand new book. I received a used book for $2.00 from half price books. Scam
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Sonja
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Such a great read. I remember this book from middle school and wanted to read it again! I got it used and you could barely tell!
    Helpful
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  • Jean
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read book!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    My son had a 5th grade project on this book! I enjoyed reading along with him. Very fun book
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  • Kimberly
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cute book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book was very cute, and we loved the activities included in the back!
    Helpful
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  • MsMliss
    5.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2010
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is a delightful story for it's age group, and the puzzles, in addition, add to the adventure. But most of all, I am delighted that it brought attention to the "real" arts, in this case a particular work of Johannes Vermeer. I think I may have had more fun creating my lesson plans!
    A few years ago I also enjoyed an adult fiction by Tracy Chevalier about the same artist and another of his famous paintings, Girl with a Pearl Earring. It was later made into a beautiful "art" film starring the very handsome and tremendously talented actor Colin Firth.
    It is always a pleasure to shed light (no pun intended) on the work of a great master artist.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Iona
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very engaging mystery for 4-6 graders.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I use this novel for small guided reading groups. When I taught 5th and 6th grade some years they liked it some years not so much. This past school year I used it for my highest 4th grade reading group, they loved it
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • M Fisher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read; fast-moving mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is the first in a series of three books. The book itself is an mystery, but the pictures also are a mystery. Crack the code with the pictures and you add to the story. Elizabeth Balliett writes a fast-moving story that carries you along with Calder and Petra to find out who is at the center of the Vermeer heist. The ending is especially intense, keeping you wondering who is actually guilty. A great read!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Amy B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bought for my 5th grader's class reading project
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    My 11 year old daughter had to read "Chasing Vermeer" for school. She gives the book five stars because the book kept her in suspense at all times. She says it ended with a cliffhanger and she is looking forward to reading the series. I commend her teacher for recommending the book, as the introduction to the book led my daughter to a book series that she might not have ever picked to read on her own.
    9 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Heather
    3.0 out of 5 stars Received damages copies twice in a row.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The book itself is excellent, but the copy Amazon shipped me arrived with crumpled corners and a rip in the cover, and the replacement copy I ordered came similarly damaged. Extremely disappointed.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • buhimaman
    5.0 out of 5 stars 答えを出すことよりも深く考えることの大切さを説く、子供向け教養書
    Reviewed in Japan on May 27, 2005
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    　　ペトラはいつも答えの出ない疑問でいっぱいの少女。チャールズ・フォートの本を読んで超常現象の存在を信じるようになりました。コールダーはペントミノ占いに凝っています。２人は大学町にある小学校６年の同級生。
    　　さて、フェルメールの絵が輸送中に盗まれるという事件が起きました。「フェルメール作とされている35作品のうち真筆は26作品だけである、それらが正しく鑑定し直されれば絵は返す」という犯人から新聞社への手紙が届き、にわか美術評論家による真贋論争が世界中に巻き起こります。コールダーとペトラも盗まれた絵を探そうと活動を始めます．．．
    　　絵が盗まれるまでの序盤はかなり長く、沢山のエピソードが盛り込まれて話の方向が見えないところがありますが、事件後からはぐんぐんとストーリーに引っ張られます。実在するチャールズ・フォートの本、盗まれたこともずば抜けて多いフェルメール作品は、実際ＩＲＡの政治的要求の人質となったこともあります。そうしたリアリティーと、２人が偶発的に見える出来事の必然性とペントミノの予言を信じて事件を解明しようとするファンタジックな謎解き部分に、Series of Unfortunate Events（世にも不幸な物語）で有名になったBrett Helquistによる挿絵が相俟って、不思議な雰囲気を醸し出し、「答えられる」ことよりも「問いかける」ことの大切さを説く著者によって児童書ながらも知的で奥行きの深い世界が築かれています。
    　　挿絵に隠された暗号はそう簡単ではないのですが、解答サイトが本文に明示されています。 ペントミノの通常の遊び方も出版社のサイトでわかります。色々なことをインターネットで調べてみたくなるように工夫されているのですね。
    Report
  • MW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on November 18, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I read this book ages ago, and I was fascinated by him always having a pocket full of pentominoes. My brother is also interested in that kind of stuff, so when I'd gotten him some pentominoes, I also got him this book to explain why.
    Report
  • theo blum
    5.0 out of 5 stars chasing Vermeer
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 11, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Buy this book,people.it is soooo cool. lol l l k uni h h ugh h h h h h h
    Report
  • Jaideep
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in India on December 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    My daughter loved this book and has since borrowed the others in the series to read them. Highly recommended for pre-teens
    Report
  • Ricardo
    5.0 out of 5 stars A tiempo
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 16, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Llego a tiempo y en perfectas
    Condiciones
    Report