68 pages • 2 hours read
Masterpiece
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Book Brief
292
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2008
Henry Holt and Co.
Middle grade
8-12 years
700L
Super Short Summary
Masterpiece by Elise Broach follows Marvin, a beetle, and James, an eleven-year-old boy, as they team up to solve the mystery of a stolen drawing from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Marvin's artistic talent and their budding friendship lead them into an adventure involving a staged robbery, deceit, and a thrilling chase through the underground art world.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
8,684 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elise Broach's Masterpiece is lauded for its charming and imaginative story, engaging young readers with its delightful mix of art history and adventure. Critics appreciate the well-crafted characters and the book's ability to inspire curiosity and creativity. However, some note that the plot may feel slow-paced at times and the resolution a bit predictable. Overall, it's a delightful read for middle graders.
Who Should Read Masterpiece?
Masterpiece by Elise Broach captivates Middle Grade readers aged 8-12 who enjoy mystery, friendship, and art. Fans of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and The One and Only Ivan will appreciate the blend of creativity and adventure as a young boy and a beetle collaborate to solve an art heist.
8,684 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
James
James
An observant and sensitive eleven-year-old boy with few friends, who communicates with Marvin through small movements and gestures.
Christina Balcony
Christina Balcony
A curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a passion for Albrecht Dürer, known for her kindness and attention to detail.
Karl Terik
Karl Terik
James’s father, an artist with a close relationship with his son, who takes an interest in showing James the world of art.
Denny
Denny
A rumpled-looking curator from the Getty Museum in California, who shares a passion for Dürer's works.
Mrs. Pompaday
Mrs. Pompaday
James's mother, preoccupied with appearances and social status, often prioritizing these over her son's needs.
The illustrations in Masterpiece were created by the talented artist Kelly Murphy, adding a visual charm to Elise Broach's engaging storytelling.
Elise Broach's Masterpiece won several prestigious awards, including the 2009 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers.
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Masterpiece was inspired in part by author Elise Broach's fascination with art thefts, miniaturism, and the complexities of friendship, blending these elements into a riveting children’s novel.
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292
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2008
Henry Holt and Co.
Middle grade
8-12 years
700L
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