 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Masterpiece
- By Elise Broach
- Genre: Activity
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant, suspenseful, satisfying art mystery.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
James is a quiet boy living with, and mostly ignored by, his divorced, social-climbing mother and stepfather. Marvin is a beetle living with his supportive, if perhaps overwhelming, family behind the kitchen sink. When James' artist father gives him a pen-and-ink set, Marvin -- who can understand but not speak English -- discovers a talent for art, and makes a tiny, detailed drawing for James, which everyone assumes James did. As they become friends, his drawing brings James to the attention of a curator at the Met, who enlists his aid in catching an art thief -- but James can only do it with Marvin's help.
Is it any good?
Take the miniature world elements of The Borrowers, the art mystery of Chasing Vermeer, and the human-bug friendship of The Cricket in Times Square add in suspense, philosophy, and art history, and you get this exceptionally appealing, satisfying page-turner. In the small sub-genre of art mysteries for children, author Elise Borach has produced one of the best yet.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this multifaceted story is the way the interspecies friendship improves and enlarges the lives of both friends, boy and beetle. Marvin expands his horizons and becomes braver and more forceful. James improves his relationship with both of his parents. Though the resolution of the issue of everyone thinking James is an artist seems a little odd, the rest of the book is fast-moving, thought-provoking, and delightful.
What 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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AGE
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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Kid, 11 years old
December 21, 2011
AGE
look at me
eh.... i read this book for a school project so i didn't have time to in enjoy it
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Kid, 12 years old
February 13, 2011
AGE
A good book.
It is a good book, but it is a little bit slow. I like books that have more action in them. Still, for people who like art, like me, or who enjoy mysteries, it's good. Also the artist is real. I recommend to look up the artist, Albrecht Durer, on the internet.
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AGE
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.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 14, 2009
AGE
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.
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Kid, 11 years old
November 18, 2010
AGE
Perfect for kids!!
I love this book!!
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AGE
Pefect book, everybody should read it
I read this book and it's one of my favorites.
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AGE
A cute story of friendship.
Masterpiece is a cute story of friendship. Content wise this book is good for 8 and up but the reading level might be better suited for kids a little older. This book is good for kids that like exciting stories of friendship and mystery.
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| Author: | Elise Broach |
| Illustrator: | Kelly Murphy |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Activity |
| Publication date: | September 1, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 292 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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