By: Blue Balliett Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Scholastic Paperbacks Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 352 Publication Date: June 01, 2007 Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Product Description: Spring semester at the Lab School in Hyde Park finds Petra and Calder drawn into another mystery when unexplainable accidents and ghostly happenings throw a spotlight on Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, and it's up to the two junior sleuths to piece together the clues. Stir in the return of Calder's friend Tommy (which creates a tense triangle), H.G. Wells's The Invisible Man, 3-D pentominoes, and the hunt for a coded message left behind by Wright, and the kids become tangled in a dangerous web in which life and art intermingle with death, deception, and surprise.
Mission-Style Restoration I first learned of Blue Balliett with the publication of her second book "The Wright Three". As a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, I was intrigued by the premise. I have not read the previous book, "Chasing Vermeer", which features Calder and Petra as amateur sleuths, but I definitely will after finishing this book. Balliett is a gifted storyteller, perhaps too intelligent for run-of-the-mill children's books, so it's a good thing that "The Wright Three" is anything but common.
The story begins with Tommy Segovia, former best friend to Calder Pillay, moving back to the Hyde Park area. Calder has made a new friend in Petra Andalee, and Tommy feels left out, desperate to be friends with Calder if he doesn't have to accept Petra in the process. As the sixth-grade year winds down, their eccentric teacher arouses their interest in the local Wright landmark, the Robie House, which is doomed for destruction. It is to be cut into four pieces and housed in art museums around the world. With Tommy, Calder, and Petra discovering interesting details and artefacts about the Robie House, they eventually put aside their differences to come up with a way to save the house. But the house may want something else entirely, for the closer the three children get to figuring out the mysteries associated with the building, the more they begin to believe the house is alive.
"The Wright Three" is an extremely readable and enjoyable book. The plot relies heavily on coincidence, and the resolution seems a bit rushed after such a tremendous buildup. But I have to credit Balliett for quoting from classic works of literature (Wells' "Invisible Man") and weaving pentominoes, obscure mathematics and codes into the story. You can tell that she truly loves the subject matter, and can even forgive the liberties she's taken with the facts. Brett Helquist's illustrations are gorgeous, as usual; perfect artwork for a book that explores the mysterious connection between art and life.
Brilliant! SPOILERS
Great book, I particularly enjoyed the artwork by Brett Helquist. The man has got serious talent. I loved the fish, and while I regret to say I still haven't figured out the hidden code, they were still awesome. (And was that a dragon at the end?!) As to the actual story, great writing as always. The mystery had many twists and turns and was nowhere near predictable. However, I do have complaints about the characterization. I was glad that we got to see Tommy in the story, but it really seemed like Balliett took one or two of each character's prominent traits, and that's all they got, no further development. Petra had her books & The Invisible Man, Calder had his pentominos, and Tommy had his collecting. That's all. Just a little 2D, IMO. The "red herrings" were the cleverest thing EVER. I really do think Petra, Calder, and Tommy are the new Ron, Harry, and Hermione ;) Great balance, as always, between the art, history, and mystery. I thought this one was much better than Chasing Vermeer, and I really hope I get the sequel soon!
The Wright 3 Book 2 in the continuing story of Petra, Calder and Tommy doesn't disappoint. Great references to art and literature to keep your child thinking.
Was This The Wright Book? The Wright 3 is the sequel to Chasing Vermeer. The book takes place in modern day Chicago. Only instead of saving a painting Clader, Petra, and Tommy are saving a house. The Robbie house to be exact, The Art Institute wants to cut the house into quarters.These parts of the house will be shipped to four different museums to be put on display. But not if the team of Calder Petra and Tommy have anything to do with the seperation.
This book is written to keep your mind moving in differnt directions, so that the culprit isn't obvious the first three pages into the book. The Wright 3 is an exellent Mystery. Personally I don't like mysteries but this book was intriguing. I don't only think of it as a mystery but as an adventure book also. This book is not like any other mystery you have ever read.
Since the book has three main characters it naturally has three points of view. But they are all VERY differnt form one another. The one thing all the differnt veiws have in common is the problem at hand, which is saving the Robbie House. But each one has a different idea how to save the house. For example Petra thinks a certain book is connected to house somehow. Im Not going to tell you because I think that is a spoiler. But this book does have a history with Mrs. Sharp.
My point of view Igove this book two thumbs up or five stars however you want to fraise it. The Wright will change the way you look at the world. I believe for the better but that's your decision. Also if you don't like mysteries just try it. You might turn out loving this genre. I did.
Was This The Wright Book? The Wright 3 is the sequel to Chasing Vermeer. The book takes place in modern day Chicago. Only instead of saving a painting Clader, Petra, and Tommy are saving a house. The Robbie house to be exact, The Art Institute wants to cut the house into quarters.These parts of the house will be shipped to four different museums to be put on display. But not if the team of Calder Petra and Tommy have anything to do with the seperation.
This book is written to keep your mind moving in differnt directions, so that the culprit isn't obvious the first three pages into the book. The Wright 3 is an exellent Mystery. Personally I don't like mysteries but this book was intriguing. I don't only think of it as a mystery but as an adventure book also. This book is not like any other mystery you have ever read.
Since the book has three main characters it naturally has three points of view. But they are all VERY differnt form one another. The one thing all the differnt veiws have in common is the problem at hand, which is saving the Robbie House. But each one has a different idea how to save the house. For example Petra thinks a certain book is connected to house somehow. Im Not going to tell you because I think that is a spoiler. But this book does have a history with Mrs. Sharp.
My point of view Igove this book two thumbs up or five stars however you want to fraise it. The Wright will change the way you look at the world. I believe for the better but that's your decision. Also if you don't like mysteries just try it. You might turn out loving this genre. I did.
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