Masterpiece

Book review by Matt Berman, Common Sense Media
Masterpiece Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Brilliant, suspenseful, satisfying art mystery.

Elise Broach Activity 2008
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 6 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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.

Community Reviews

SMor
SMor Adult
July 18, 2021
age 9+

Not what I had hoped for…

I used this as a read aloud with my young son. The prose was really rich and descriptive, and the storyline was interesting although a little slow at times (he was only 5 at the time and the concept of an art heist went a bit over his head.) I was really enjoying it… until I realized how much the main character was lying/hiding from his parents, and this was being seen as a positive attribute (he was being ‘such a loyal friend’). The main character had carried on lying despite having kind and understanding adults available in his world. In the end ***SPOILER ALERT*** he purposely injures himself (quite seriously) to get out of his web of lies. This is seen as a relief as he’s somewhat free of the lies… without ever having to tell the truth. It sparked a big conversation in our house about the importance of having a grown up that you feel comfortable talking to - whether that be a parent, a grandparent, a teacher… and that keeping secrets is never the right thing to do. My son felt quite protective of the main character and didn’t really believe that he could have handled the situation better.
1 person found this helpful.
live4tea@msn.com
[email protected] Adult
October 25, 2009
age 10+

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.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

In the small subgenre of art mysteries for children, author Elise Borach has produced one of the best yet. 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.

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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.

Book Details

  • Author: Elise Broach
  • Illustrator: Kelly Murphy
  • Genre: Activity
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publication date: September 1, 2008
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
  • Number of pages: 292
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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