Chasing Vermeer [Hardcover] Blue Balliett~Brett Helquist

When a priceless Vermeer vanishes from a Chicago museum, two sixth-graders — Petra, who sees patterns everywhere, and Calder, who thinks in pentominoes — find themselves tangled in the mystery. Blue Balliett weaves codes, puzzles, and art history into a smart middle-grade adventure that treats kids like capable thinkers. The story moves between their investigation and letters from a thief convinced the painting is a fake. Illustrated throughout by Brett Helquist (of *A Series of Unfortunate Events* fame), it's got visual clues hidden in the margins. For young detectives who liked *The Westing Game* or anyone who wants a mystery that rewards close reading. The kind of book that makes you stare at paintings differently.