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Masterpiece

(2008, Fiction - Activity, Written by Elise Broach, Illustrated by Kelly Murphy)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brilliant, suspenseful, satisfying art mystery.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Extols the virtues of friendship.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A boy's hand is crushed under a car trunk lid.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Breakfast food, snack, department store, and candy brands mentioned.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Masterpiece

Parents need to know that there is a scene where a boy gets his hand crushed under a car trunk lid, possibly on purpose, though this is never clear. Otherwise there is little of concern, and some good conversation about friendship, art, and philosophy.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the ideas about art presented here. Why would someone steal art if they can't sell it or show it? What makes a work a masterpiece? What effect does great art have on you? Is that different from the effect it has on others? Are there any artists whose work you love? What appeals to you about it? Young readers may also be interested in learning more about Albrecht Durer -- see the Other Choices section below for places to start.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Good for any tween, esp art lovers or underdogs

    This is one we read out loud, a ten year old and a 12 year old, who had no interest until we got started. just when you think you are too old to root for a beetle to save the day, you are hooked. It was fun, lots of drama, fascinating behind the scenes art history too.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    A great mystery for kids and people who enjoy art!!!

    I simply LOVED this book. I think this is a good book for kids 8 and older to read to themselves or have read to the. I also think that if your kid does NOT like mysteries this would not be good for them. It might appeal to boys more then girls as the main characters are both boys. The story also has a bug character so if you do not like bugs you might not like this.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 8 and give it 3.0

    A pretty good book!.....

    This book is not for younger kids, that's for sure. I am nine, and when I read this book, it had some confusing parts, and sad parts. But it is an okay book. 10 and up, 3 stars!

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