Comments by my 11yr old sons-
"Chasing Vermeer kept me thinking about the story even when I wasn't reading. I now see more in what looks like coincidence. Since I like puzzles and numbers this book was a good one to keep me interested. My favorite part was discovering pentominoes." (4 stars) Isaiah
"At first it seemed slow getting to know the characters and setting, but by the time Petra had her first dream I was hooked. I am an artist and thought the clues in the illustrations were really cool. The author did a good describing things that I could see in my head and imagine happening to me." (4 stars) Isaac ( )

Recommended by a teacher friend, I thought this book was okay. It is a mystery that gets a bit confusing and makes some great leaps to find a conclusion. I am still not 100% sure who the bad guy was but felt enough closure to let it go. One really annoying part was a friend and the male lead converse in written code. I did not take the time to figure out the code; perhaps a mistake on my part, but just reading for pleasure here... I did however, take the time to google Vermeer and lo and behold, real artist! So that was fun. Pictures are in back of book...didn't realize that either until the end. Might give second book a chance. Might not. Now, how to avoid telling my friend, that eh...wasn't my fav. I am sure she will be fine with it! ( )

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. ( )