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What Members Thought
Think Mixed-Up Files meets Monument Men--a wonderful art mystery. A few plot coincidences that made me question the reasonableness of the ending, but the writing and the unique nature of the story make this a standout. Theo is a great heroine for kids--smart and resourceful.
This was pretty engaging in general, and has a great character in the tea-obsessed, overspending, OCD mother, but a few major things keep it from being a winner for me. The timeline is all off, for one--everything could technically work, but a modern kid is likely to have a great-grandfather who fought in WWII, not a grandfather, and that (along with the other characters of that era) pulled it all askew for me. The person who turned out to be a villain felt shoehorned into that role. Considerabl
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This was an impulse check out. Both the title and the cover were intriguing. I actually felt compelled to check this book out. And I'm glad I did.
I love Theo. She's a strong female character, but I do feel sorry for her. It's tough to have to be the adult at 13 and be responsible for keeping the household together. There are number of stories like this written for children. What makes this one stand out for me is, of course, the mystery and Theo's relationship with her grandfather. Readers who ...more
I love Theo. She's a strong female character, but I do feel sorry for her. It's tough to have to be the adult at 13 and be responsible for keeping the household together. There are number of stories like this written for children. What makes this one stand out for me is, of course, the mystery and Theo's relationship with her grandfather. Readers who ...more
When Theo's grandfather dies, she is left with her mother, who has a mental illness and around $400 left in cash. She has no idea how she will live. Then something very strange happens a bottle of rubbing alcohol spills over one of her grandfather's painting and the top layer of paint wipes off. Theo and her new friend Bodhi, being the art buffs that they are start to research this painting thinking it might be the works of a great painter. This book leads into many subjects such as the lives of
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Simple, well written art mystery. Connects to the Monuments Men and WWII
I enjoyed this story, though the plot twist at the end stretched my belief, as did the circumstances of her life and her new friend. Interesting tie-ins to books/films I have seen recently (Art Forger, Monuments Men).
Special book. Art mystery with WWII connection.
I liked this book a lot but the coincidences were a little much.
When Theo's grandfather dies she is left to handle the dwindling finances, her fragile mother, and a painting which provides more questions than answers. All too convenient coincidences at the end prevent me from giving this 5 stars which it is (almost) so deserving of.
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Great book about art theft, the Nazis, the Monument Men, and more. Possible Newbery Club read. Lots of wonderful world history & info/history of art.
For all those who liked From The Mixed Up Files...you will love this.
Jan 11, 2014
Kathy
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Jan 11, 2014
Elisabeth
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Jan 15, 2014
Sindy
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Jan 31, 2014
Holly
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Feb 27, 2014
Anamaria
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Mar 09, 2014
Peggy Howell
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Mar 17, 2014
J.j.
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Jun 04, 2014
Elizabeth
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Jun 17, 2014
Ernie Cox
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Jun 25, 2014
Robynn
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