Masterpiece
by Elise Broach
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Book Summary Information
Author: Elise BroachIllustrator: Kelly Murphy
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-09-30
ISBN: 0805082700
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Book Reviews of Masterpiece
Book Review: "Oh what a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive"
Summary: 4 Stars
This mystery about an art heist in NYC has more to do with friendship than thievery. On the eve of his eleventh birthday, James Terik has no clue that he is about to take part in a thrilling adventure. The story starts with Marvin, beetle resident of the Pompaday (James lives with his mother and stepfather) family apartment in New York City, entering the bathroom sink drain to retrieve James' (p 28) "fussy and self-centered" mother's contact lens. After completing the task, Marvin leaves the beetle family's birthday gift for James in his room. There sits a seemingly dull present from James' dad, a pen and ink drawing set. Marvin decides to test his artistic abilities and ends up creating a masterpiece. Therein begins the lie as James takes credit for the skillfully done sketch. With their shared secret, boy and beetle become involved in plot to catch an art thief. The story contains several themes, especially the importance of family and friendship. Masterpiece is a likeable adventure story about a boy and his beetle friend, reminiscent of The Cricket in Times Square. Best of the book for me was the fact that the beetle could not talk, thus forcing Marvin and James to figure out alternate ways of communicating. Worst was the foggy fate of the felon and lack of consequences for lying. Also good: Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell, Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan and The Adventures of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
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