Under the Egg in Mock Newbery 2026

Jun 12, 2015 Kirsten rated it it was amazing

I chose this book for our Mother/Daughter book group at the library based on the reviews and because it's one of this year's Utah Beehive Book Award Nominees for Juvenile fiction. Oh my--I had no idea how much I would LOVE it! Give me realistic/historical fiction about the Metropolitan Museum of Art, World War II, and Renaissance Art that's well researched and well written and I'm going to give it FIVE stars. For 5th grade and above. Tee hee. I don't want to give too much away. You know I love a ...more

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Aug 30, 2014 Samantha rated it really liked it

Shelves: art-and-artists, juv-fiction, mystery, grandfather, art-history

After her grandfather and primary caretaker dies unexpectedly, Theo tries to solve the mystery he left behind and care for herself and her eccentric mother.

Grandfather Jack's dying words urged Theo to look under the egg, which she is familiar with as a portrait of an egg has held an honored spot above the mantle for as long as she can remember and each day she and Jack would put an egg in a basket beneath the portrait as if honoring a deity. The mystery regarding the egg has Theo stumped for a w After her grandfather and primary caretaker dies unexpectedly, Theo tries to solve the mystery he left behind and care for herself and her eccentric mother.

Grandfather Jack's dying words urged Theo to look under the egg, which she is familiar with as a portrait of an egg has held an honored spot above the mantle for as long as she can remember and each day she and Jack would put an egg in a basket beneath the portrait as if honoring a deity. The mystery regarding the egg has Theo stumped for a while, but one night an accident leads to the discovery of a secret painting, one that is underneath the image of the egg.

The mysterious painting appears to be made by Raphael, but Theo must do her research to be sure. She does have help on her mission though from a new friend, a young girl about her age (13) whose parents are as famous as Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie. Together the two consult art dealers, art historians at MOMA, librarians, and a scientist/street vendor who all help uncover a piece of the puzzle. Along the way Theo not only learns a lot about art history, but also about her grandfather and how he came to own the mysterious painting.

Put this on the shelf next to From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It's fascinating seeing how the mystery unfolds and how all of the professionals consulted have something uniquely valuable to add to the hunt for the truth.

The characterization was a little off for me. Theo felt very mature for her age and while I understand the need for her strength and know-how I kept waiting for a moment when her age would shine through. The librarian characters were a little over the top too. Instead of being an old woman with a bun and glasses, it was the other extreme: hipster librarian who is in every way the opposite of the old stereotype.

The ending felt rushed to me after all the careful research and clues being uncovered little by little. It was a strange position to be reading the fallout with the painting and the elderly neighbor from an after-the-fact vantage point, but also to be seeing some of the emotions in the first-person.

Lastly, the very end with the discovery of Grandfather Jack's letter felt too convenient for my tastes. The letter was nice confirmation that Theo had indeed followed the right path, but the money just felt like it eliminated all future worries, which is not in sync with a single moment of Theo's life up to that point.

Despite my issues with characterization and conclusion, this book is a great read for grades 4-8. It's an exciting debut and well worth the time. ...more

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Jan 19, 2015 Deb rated it really liked it

Theodora's grandfather lay dying and in his last breath he mumbles something about "it's under the egg...a letter and a treasure". Theo is hopeful that this means that her grandfather left something that would provide for her and her absentminded mother. As she searches, an accidental spill of a bottle of rubbing alcohol over one of her grandfather's paintings reveals what looks to be a Renaissance masterpiece beneath the surface. Knowing that her grandfather worked for The Metro Museum of Art, ...more

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Jun 28, 2014 Carol Royce Owen rated it really liked it

Thirteen year old Theo has learned to be resourceful growing up in NYC with her mother who had withdrawn from the world, as she "preferred the world inside her head to the world outside" and her grandfather, Jack, who taught her about life, art, and how to truly look at things. But now he is gone, and Theo is left with his mysterious last words, "to look under the egg," which leads to research that could result in one of the greatest art finds in history.

I liked this book a great deal, and agree ...more

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Mar 27, 2014 Benji Martin rated it really liked it

3.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this, but I did have a few problems with it. I like that is was a short book, and didn't draw itself out longer than necessary, but I didn't really feel like I got to know the characters that well because it was so brief. My other problem had to do with the ending. I don't usually mind overly coincidental endings, especially in children's books. For some reason, though, I found myself rolling my eyes at the ending of this book. I just didn't believe it. Everyt ...more

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Apr 17, 2014 Sharon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: family, a-fiction-middle, art, a-mystery, ww2-holocaust, city-new-york-city, ww2, museum

When Renaissance art meets WWII history the result is an intelligent modern day mystery. The unique aspect of Under the Egg, is that it will appeal to all ages. When Theodora Tenpenny's grandfather suddenly dies, his death leaves Theo alone and without financial or emotional support since her mother lives in a world of mathematical formulas and expensive tea. Though they live in a NYC brownstone, in order to eat, their back courtyard is dedicated to vegetable and fruit plants, and a henhouse. Ea ...more

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Jun 06, 2015 Lynne rated it really liked it

Shelves: great-ya-fiction, great-for-tweens

Loved this one! A creative and well-written art mystery along the lines of The Mixed Up Files or the books written by Blue Balliett. Perfect summer reading for kids maybe 11 and up.

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Jan 18, 2015 Brenda rated it it was amazing

This book has it all---art history, World War II history, mystery, and friendship. A great read for Fifth grade to adult. I plan to recommend to my art teacher friends.

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May 26, 2014 Cara rated it really liked it

Shelves: for-kids

Under the Egg is well written and I really enjoyed the story. The reality of imperfect people and families is left intact even if some of the plot circumstances are a bit too convenient. I don't know what a middle school age kid would think of this story, but I think it is worth reading. ...more

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