Vermeer I el codi secret (2004)

I like the encouragement children get from this book to do their own research. I will be teaching this book in a small book group of 5th and 6th graders at the school where I work as a librarian. The kids can have fun with it. The book encourages further research and experiments, just like the kids in the story. Making your own pentominoes, deciphering codes, finding reproductions of the paintings mentioned in the story, finding out more about Vermeer, a trip to a local art museum, etc. are all possible.
The book also advocates Progressive Education and its ability to engage children in their own creative research.

The book does have weaknesses. The characters are not well fleshed out and the resolution of the conflict seems rushed. I think that the author was focussing on putting her readers to work instead of working out a credible plot and ending. I still have to read the sequels. Maybe she does better in those. ( )

RGG: Despite receiving lots of good press, a fairly boring mystery. Targeted to younger readers and good for puzzle solvers.

Interesting tale based on art history, codes and thinking in unusual ways. I gave it to my 10 year old neice who I think will like it better than I did. ( )

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