book

~ A Novel Study ~

Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

A Novel Study
By Nat Reed

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Table of Contents

Suggestions and Expectations ……..…………………………………………. 3
List of Skills ………………………………….………………………………… 4
Synopsis / Author Biography ……..…………………………………………... 5
Student Checklist ………………………………………………………………. 6
Reproducible Student Booklet …………………………………………………. 7
Answer Key ……………………………………………………………………. 66

About the author: Nat Reed has been a member of the teaching profession for more than
30 years. He is presently a full-time instructor at Trent University in the Teacher Education
Program. For more information on his work and literature, please visit the websites
www.reedpublications.org and www.novelstudies.org.

Copyright © 2012 Nat Reed
All rights reserved by author.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.

Not for public display.

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Suggestions and Expectations

This 71 page curriculum unit can be used in a variety of ways. Each chapter of the novel
study focuses on two chapters of Chasing Vermeer and is comprised of four different
sections:

• Before You Read
• Vocabulary Building
• Comprehension Questions
• Activities

Links with the Common Core Standards (U.S.)

Many of the activities included in this curriculum unit are supported by the Common
Core Standards. For instance the Reading Standards for Literature, Grade 5, makes
reference to
a) determining the meaning of words and phrases. . . including figurative language;
b) explaining how a series of chapters fits together to provide the overall structure;
c) compare and contrast two characters;
d) determine how characters … respond to challenges;
e) drawing inferences from the text;
f) determining a theme of a story . . . and many others.

A principal expectation of the unit is that students will develop their skills in reading, writing,
listening and oral communication, as well as in reasoning and critical thinking. Students will
also be expected to provide clear answers to questions and well-constructed explanations. It
is critical as well that students be able to relate events and the feelings of characters to their
own lives and experiences and describe their own interpretation of a particular passage.

A strength of the unit is that students can work on the activities at their own pace. Every
activity need not be completed by all students. A portfolio cover is included (p.7) so that
students may organize their work and keep it all in one place. A Student Checklist is also
included (p.6) so that a record of completed work may be recorded.

Themes which may be taught in conjunction with the novel include art and art forgery;
pentominoes; codes; the importance of friendship; chance and coincidence; self-acceptance;
family and family relationships.

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

List of Skills

Vocabulary Development

1. Locating descriptive words / phrases 8. Use of singular / plural nouns
2. Listing synonyms & antonyms 9. Using content clues: analogies
3. Identifying / creating onomatopoeia
4. Use of capitals and punctuation 10. Identifying parts of speech
5. Identifying syllables 11. Determining alphabetical order
6. Listing compound words 12. Identification of root words
7. Identifying / creating similes 13. Identifying / creating alliteration
14. Identifying anagrams.

Setting Activities

1. Summarize the details of a setting

Plot Activities

1. Complete a 5 W's Chart 5. Write a synopsis
2. Identify conflict in the story 6. Predict an outcome
3. Identify cliffhanger 7. Complete a Sequence Chart
4. Identify the climax of a novel
8. Identify foreshadowing

Character Activities

1. Determine character traits 4. Relating personal experiences

2. Compare two characters

3. Understand concepts such as meeting a challenge

Creative and Critical Thinking

1. Research 5. Conduct an interview
2. Write a newspaper article 6. Write a description of personal feelings
3. Write a letter to a friend 7. Write a Book Review
4. Complete an Observation Chart 8. Create Found Poetry

Art Activities

1. Design a cover for the novel 3. Create a Storyboard.

4

Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Synopsis

When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay
together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric
old woman seeks out their company, and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before
they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no
one - neighbors, parents, teachers - is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn
clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw upon their powers of intuition, their
problem-solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has
left even the FBI baffled? (The Publisher)

Author Biography

Blue Balliett

Blue Balliett was born in 1955 in New York. On her birth certificate it
says Elizabeth. Blue is an America author, best known for her award-
winning novel for children, Chasing Vermeer.
Chasing Vermeer, released by Scholastic Press in 2004, is her best-
known and most highly praised book. Illustrated by Brett Helquist, it
concerns the fictitious theft of a painting by 17th-century Dutch artist
Johannes Vermeer. The book won a number of accolades and awards,
including the 2005 Edgar Award in the Best Juvenile category.

A sequel, The Wright 3, was released in April, 2006, and a third, The
Calder Game, was published two years later, in April 2008. The
Danger Box was published in August 2010. Her latest book, "Hold Fast" was published in
2013. Balliett has also published two books of Nantucket ghost stories.

Before releasing Chasing Vermeer, she taught third grade at the University of Chicago
Laboratory Schools. During her tenure, she coordinated with NASA astronaut and University
of Chicago alumnus John Grunsfeld to send her pupil's literature and creative artwork into
space during a routine Hubble space telescope mission on the Columbia space shuttle.

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Student Name: Student Checklist Comments
Assignment
Grade / Level

6

Chasing Vermeer

Name: By Blue Balliett

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 1 - 2
Before you read the chapter:

Calder, the novel's protagonist, says about himself, "He knew he was kind of weird". In your opinion
what would make a person consider him or herself to be weird? You may wish to brainstorm ideas with
a colleague.

Why might it not be too healthy to have this opinion about oneself?

Vocabulary:

Choose a word from the list to complete each sentence. [Be careful, some words may be appropriate for
more than one sentence - try to pick the best fit.]

discriminating ample convention pretentious intriguing
gullible
extraordinary collaborate mediocre labyrinth

1. Marsha decided to ________________ with Jane in the writing of the class play.

2. Whenever the governor gives a speech, most of the audience finds his pompous ways to be
quite _____________.

3. All of the paper carriers were given _____________ time to get their accounts settled.

4. His ability to find water with a witching stick is quite ________________.
8

5. His marks in high school were mostly _______________.
6. To be a successful chef one must have a very __________________ sense of taste.
7. When it comes to believing everything my uncle says, my aunt is quite _____________.
8. Your unusual offer is certainly most ________________, however I'm afraid I must decline

to accept it.
9. The farmer designed a complicated ______________ in his corn field.
10. Her hair style simply defies _______________.

Questions

1. In the letter sent out to the three people in Chapter One, the letter-writer used three criteria in
making his selections as to whom the letters would go to. What were they?

1
2
3

2. The setting of a story includes not only where but when the story takes place. What is the
setting of the story in Chapter Two?

3. Every good story involves one or many crisis. Describe the specific crisis faced by the woman
who received the second letter. (What did she perceive the letter to be at first?)

4. What did the second woman consider to be the spooky part of the letter?

9

5. What was there about Ms. Hussey that made her a unique kind of teacher?

6. List four forms of communication mentioned in Chapter Two. Brainstorm with a colleague to
see if you can come up with any more.

7. What two part task did Ms. Hussey give the students?

8. Chapter Two introduces us to the two principal characters of the novel. In the chart below
compare Petra and Calder. You may use physical similarities/differences as well as those
relating to their personalities.

Criteria Calder Petra

9. Investigate the meaning of the literary device, foreshadowing. How might the conclusion of
Chapter Two be an example of this?

10

Language Activities

A. John Dewey

John Dewey (1859-1952) was a huge influence in the way
Ms. Hussey taught. Dewey believed that learning was active
and schooling too long and restrictive. He believed that
schools should give students real, guided experiences. For
example, Dewey believed that math could be learnt via
learning proportions in cooking or figuring out how long it
would take to get from one place to another by mule. He
thought that history could be learnt by actually experiencing
how people lived, and how plants and animals grew.

Using resources in your school library or the Internet, do a
further investigation of this important man, researching three
additional facts about his life and/or his beliefs.

B. The author seems to enjoy using alliteration – a literary device where the

author repeats the same consonant sound at the beginning of several words in close
succession. An example from Chapter Two is: “First find, then do”.
Using your imagination, create your own examples of alliteration from the following
topics. Each example must contain a minimum of three words.

A cricket's song –

The rumble of thunder -

A mourning dove's call -

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C. Pentominoes

Pentominoes will look familiar to anyone who has played the game Tetris. Pentominoes are
puzzle pieces made from exactly five congruent squares. There are a total of 12 pieces (often
named after the letters of the Latin alphabet that they vaguely resemble), adding up to a total
of 60 squares. You can arrange these pieces into four different rectangles.

Activities.

Use graph paper to make your own set of pentominoes modeled on the above samples.
1 - Check the Prologue of Chasing Vermeer to find the corresponding letter which represents
each of the 12 pentominoes
2 - Use the pentominoes P, U and V to make a rectangle.
3 - use the pentominoes L, P, T, Y to make a rectangle.
4 - find at least two ways to make a rectangle using four pentominoes.

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 3 - 4

Before you read the chapter:

Harvey S. Firestone wrote, “Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself." How do you think the first part of the
quote (Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim.) and second (Accept no
one's definition of your life, but define yourself.) are related?

Vocabulary:

Many of the following words are from Chapter 3-4. Use the words in the box to complete the following
crossword puzzle.

1 2 3 456 78
9
11 10
18
22 12 13 14 15 16 17
28 29
36 19 20
42
21

23 24 25

26 27

30 31 32

33 34 35

37 38 39 40

41

43

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Down Across

1. Petra's family, the ______ lived in Hyde Park. 4. The novel's protagonist.
2. These are often made at weddings. 9. Calder was fascinated with these.
3 More aware; better informed. 10. Can be broken into 60 segments.
4. A part of a shirt. 11. Four score and seven ____ ago.
5. Short for Arts and Entertainment. 12 Violent windstorm.
6. Sizes: large, small _____. 15. A cod, or pod, as of beans or peas.
7. These often grow in marshy grounds. [Prov. Eng.].
8. She thought highly of Ms. Hussey. 18. Windshield _____.
9. Mr. Andalee's profession. 19. Emergency Room (abbrev.)
13 A bird's home. 21. A large planet in our solar system.
14. ____ and apples. 22. An place of learning generally beyond
16. A ___, not a loss. secondary school.
17. She left Petra a note. 26. An artist around in 1780.
20. Ms. _________. 28. Absolutely tremendous!
23. Vibrations. 31. What?
24. Rhymes with bridal. 32. Outlook Express (abbrev).
25. Emergency Alert System. 33. Checking someone out without them
27. A material object without life or knowing it.
consciousness. 36. Rock paintings.
28. Tremendous! 39. An Egyptian river.
29. To say. 41. Delight or pleasure.
30. University of Alberta Press (abbrev.). 42. Most unusual.
32. To stare at rudely. 43. Petra's nickname for the museum guard.
34. Ping ____.
35. Nothing.
37. Not no.
38. A distress signal.
40. An elongated order of fish.

TORNADO PETROGLYPHS SUPER ER UAP OE
TREMORS EAS NEST INSTITUTE YES
TIDAL WIPERS MOMENT UTTER SATURN OGLE
ORANGES RAREST PENTOMINOES PETRA ANDALEES WISER
PHYSICIST SAUSAGE LSM HUSSEY SPYING NIL
AUGUSTE REEDS PONG SOS CALDER THING
DENISE TOASTS COLLAR YEARS SWAD WIN
EEL NILE STUDPENDOUS GLEE EH
AE

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Questions

1. Describe what Petra's home was like. How did she feel about this?

2. Petra was the name of a _____________ city in ________________. Petra's father was
a _________________ at the __________________. Calder's father was from
______________ and his mother was a ____________________.

3. Why do you think Ms. Hussey looked strangely pleased that the assignment failed?

4. What is your impression of Denise from these chapters? Why?

5. Describe Denise's impression of the art museum.

6. What do you think Picasso meant by saying that art is a lie, but a lie that tells the truth?

7. What task did Ms Hussey give her students in Chapter Four?

15

8. Describe the reaction of the following two people when Calder dropping a pentomino piece
on the floor.

Denise
Petra

9. Give your impression of what Petra read from the Charles Fort book at the end of Chapter 4.

Language Activities
A. INVESTIGATION: At least three prominent people are mentioned in these two chapters,

Pablo Picasso (artist), Auguste Bernard (artist) and Charles Fort (writer). Choose one of
these individuals, then using sources in your school library or on the Internet research three
important facts about this person's personal life or achievements.

1
2
3

B. PERSONIFICATION is giving human qualities to something that is not human. We find

an example of this in Chapter 3: ... purples and blood reds argued loudly with each other.
Here the author is speaking of an inanimate work of art.
Why do you think personification is a popular literary device used by many authors?

Create your own example of personification.

BONUS: See if you can find another example of this literary device in the second paragraph of
Chapter Three.

16

C. Place the following words from these chapters in alphabetical order.

window 1
wished 2.
writer 3.
water 4.
was 5.
wouldn't 6.
words 7.
walking 8.
writing 9.
works 10.

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 5 - 6
Before you read the chapter:

Charles Fort believed the best education was one of surprises. Do you think this would be realistic in
your own classroom? Defend your response.

Vocabulary:

In each of the following sets of words, underline the one word that does not belong. Then write a
sentence explaining why it does not fit.

1. venomous poisonous deadly innocuous

2. luminous periwinkle glowing bright

3. profound thoughtful deep stubborn

4. enchanted incompetence inability ineptitude

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5. credulity trust acceptance contemplate
certain unavoidable
6. inevitable fortuitous delight cheer

7. unprecedented exhilarating

8. mediocre so-so commonplace justified

Questions

Cloze Call

Complete the following exercise filling in the correct words from the Word Box. [One word may be
meant to be used twice!!]

art Bermuda Sharpe Fred woman fresh
Lo! see disappeared bizarre Fort Frog
frogs pentominoes newspapers grandmother husband cupboard
understood libraries coded thinking world rainbow

In the book called __________ by Charles _________, Petra found quotes from journals and
______________ from around the world. The book told the story of hundreds of _____________
happenings. Apparently the author had spent years going through old newspapers in
________________. The author's premise seemed to be depending on how you looked at things, your
_____________ could change completely. He thought that people liked to see what they were supposed
to ______________. Petra wondered why they didn't spend more time in school studying things that
were unknown or not _________________. Another terrific sentence that Petra found was, We shall
pick up an existence by its ____________. When Petra was almost asleep she seemed to be looking at a
young __________.

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_____________ always helped Calder think. Ms. Hussey was always telling her students to listen
to your own __________________. _____________ for Calder was something puzzling, but it was
something that gave him a ____________ way of looking at things. In the picture on the box, the
____________ had the word "Meer" written on it. Calder's ______________ had given him the box.
The sun coming in through the leaded glass window in the living room reminded Calder of taking a
____________ bath. Calder discovered that Mrs. __________ had fallen outside his house and Ms.
Hussey had stopped to help her. A _________ letter from Tommy informed Calder that the kid next
door to Tommy named __________ had ________________. Tommy's mother had returned last year
from _____________ with a ____________ called __________.

The Cliffhanger

A cliffhanger is defined as an ending (i.e. of a chapter) which features the main character in a difficult
dilemma. Check the conclusion of Chapter 5 and describe how this chapter ends in such a way.

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Language Activities

A. Anagrams (Another challenging kind of puzzle!)

An anagram is a word that is formed by changing the order of the letters of another word. For
example, the letters in the word DOES can also form the word DOSE.
Follow these directions to form the anagrams:

a) read the clue in the right-hand column.

b) Using the word in the left-hand column move the letters around in any order, but you must
use all the letters. Each of the words in the left-hand column is found in these two chapters.

Word Anagram Clue
Petra To make gradually smaller toward one end.
Calder A baby's bed.
crate To perform again.
table The sound a sheep might make.
vines Blood vessels.
room A tract of open, peaty wasteland.

B. What on Earth is a Periwinkle?

Charles Fort writes about many strange things in the book that Petra discovered. One of the
unusual occurrences mentioned by the author is when bushels of periwinkles fell from the sky
on Cromer Gardens Road, outside of Worchester England.

In the Worcester Daily Times, May 30, 1881, it is said that, upon the 28th, news had reached
Worcester of a wonderful fall from the sky, of periwinkles on Cromer Gardens Road, and
spread far around in fields and gardens. Mostly, people of Worcester were incredulous, but
some had gone to the place. Those who had faith returned with periwinkles.

What, though, is a periwinkle?

Using resources in your school library or on the Internet, investigate this creature and report
your findings. Your research should include a sketch and three pertinent facts.

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C. Calder's Codes

Decode both the letter from Tommy and Calder's reply.
TOMMY'S LETTER

CALDER'S REPLY

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Extension Activities
Storyboard

A storyboard is a series of pictures that tell about an important event in a story. A storyboard
can tell the story of only one scene – or the entire novel. [ You may wish to postpone the
completion of this assignment until you have read further in the novel.]
Complete the storyboard below illustrating the events of your favorite scene from the novel
thus far. You may wish to practice your drawings on a separate piece of paper.
12

34

56

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 7 - 8
Before you read the chapters:

Why do you think codes have been both useful and fascinating for people down through the
ages?

Vocabulary:

Draw a straight line to connect the vocabulary word to its
definition. Remember to use a straight edge (like a ruler).

1. anonymous a. attempt
2. precision b. removed
3. venture c. marvelous
4. enthusiastic d. duplication
5. dismissed e. unknown
6. confided f. balance
7. extraordinary g. dignity
8. repetition h. Accuracy
9. symmetry
10. elegance i. Disclosed

j. Animated

The Geographer

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Questions

1. In the chart below describe the reaction of each character to Petra's writing.
Denise
Calder

2. Describe what caused Petra to laugh in the cafeteria? Why did she think it was so perfect?

3. Writers of fiction are warned about the danger of including coincidence in the plotline of
their stories. Why do you think this is a good suggestion?

4. Why was it odd that Calder had to make a delivery to Mrs. Sharpe's home?

5. What was there about Mrs. Sharpe that Calder found intimidating?

6. What made Calder think that there might be codes in Vermeer's paintings?

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Language Activities
A. Johannes Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer (1632 - 1675) was a Dutch Baroque artist who specialized in painting
interior domestic scenes of middle class life. During his lifetime he was only moderately
successful, and when he died at the age of 43, he left his wife and family in debt.
Investigate the following four paintings by Vermeer and list the titles for each.

a) b)

c) d)

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B. A Letter Home

These chapters represent a most unusual and interesting time for both
Petra and Calder. Imagine you are either Petra or Calder and write a letter
to a friend (i.e. Tommy) or a close relative (grandparent) relating some of
the curious occurrences recently in your life. In the letter be sure to
describe how all of this is making you feel. Your letter should be at least a
half-page in length and follow the proper format of a friendly letter. If you
wish, you may write it in code (provided you include a decipherer).

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C. The Simile.

Near the beginning of Chapter Seven, Ms. Hussey refers to a literary device called a simile.
Ms. Hussey is actually referring to a statement in Petra's writing, "It smells like a closet in an
old house". A simile is a comparison of two things using the words like or as.
a) What two things are being compared in the example from Petra's writing?
Create your own similes from the following suggestions:
b) a puzzling math question
c) a humorous comment made by your teacher

28

Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 9 - 10
Before you read the chapters:

Do you have a favorite artist or piece of art work? What kind of art work appeals to you - i.e. the genre
(i.e. portraits, still life, pastoral landscape), medium (i.e. clay, pencil, paint)? Write a brief description
of what appeals to your own personal tastes in this regard.

Vocabulary:

Choose a word from the list that means the same or nearly the same as the underlined word(s).

philosophy dramatic distracted superstitious suspicious
guild existed transferred
determination investigate

1 During his three month stay on the island, the marooned sailor
subsisted on shell fish and insects.

2 She was surprised to be moved to another station.

3 The presentation on the life of Abraham Lincoln was very moving.

4 He proved his perseverance when running the marathon.

5 Who can decipher the ideology which exists behind the thinking of
a genius?

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6 Most of the children were distrustful of the teacher's motives.
7 The detectives will examine the crime scene most thoroughly.
8 The thieves diverted the guard's attention for only a moment.
9 Joining the club proved to be a more costly enterprise than the

senator expected.
10 Most people would be apprehensive if faced with a real ghost.

Questions

1. How did Petra explain dreaming about something she didn't know existed?

2. How did Calder explain how the pentominoes helped him?

3. At one point Calder says about Petra, "He should have known she'd understand."
Why do you think this was the case?

4. Fill in the blanks: Johannes Vermeer was the son of Reynier ___________ and
Digna _____________. His father was an _____________, and a ______________.
When Jan was 21 he married Catharine ________________. They had ____ children.

5. Calder suggests that perhaps not more is known about Vermeer because someone destroyed
his notebooks and letters. Think of another explanation for why he isn't better known.

30

6. At the beginning of Chapter 10, what suggestion did Calder make to Petra, and why?

7. According to the woman at the museum, where was the painting?

8. According to Calder's grandmother, what would have made Vermeer's paintings
perfect?

Language Activities
A. Rewrite the following sentences putting in the correct capitalization and punctuation.

petra and calder decided to go the national museum
when did chicago last win the stanley cup
i doubt very much that sally wendal and jeremy will attend sunset park public school

31

B. The Life of Jan Vermeer

Quite a number of facts about Jan Vermeer are revealed in this novel. Your task is to
research (using resources in your school library or the Internet) more about this amazing
man - his life and works. Find three facts about him that are not revealed about the artist
to this point in the novel.

C. A Lady Writing

A Vermeer painting mentioned in the novel is "A Lady Writing". Use
the copy provided, or obtain a larger, clearer copy in your school
library or on the Internet. Record below seven appropriate adjectives
or phrases that might be used in a description of the masterpiece.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

32

Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 11 - 12
Before you read the chapters:

Who is your favorite character to this point in the novel? Why?

Vocabulary:

Solve the following word search puzzle using the words from the Word Box. Remember – the words
can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. They may be forward or even backward!

INCALCUABLE ATMOSPHERIC EXCUISITE VERMEER CONSERVATOR
COINCIDENCE
CURATOR INDESCRIBABLE SINISTER AUDIBLE PETRA

OBSCURITY PURSUIT INSTINCT FABRIC

QWE E L B A U C L A C N I A
E I RTYU I OPASDFUG
CONS ERVATORZDXC
CMN D B V C X L K J I H G F
I S P V E RME E R B F D S C
R I O I USYTRLEYSEO
ENDFGHC J EKL TDT I
H I LK J HGR FDC I V I N
P SNLK J RH I GFRBSC
S TOS EORTYBUUG I I
OE P E TRASDFACRUD
MR P AO I I UY T R B G C E
T LRK J HNGFDAOLXN
AUK J HGF CDFUYT EC
CAPUR SU I T SDFGHE

33

Questions

1. Examine the picture from Chapter 11. What pentomino figure is hidden in this picture?
(Check the pentomino letters at the beginning of the novel and match this shape to the
appropriate letter.)

2. Write a 3-4 sentence précis summarizing the contents of the shocking newspaper article
read by Petra's parents at the beginning of Chapter 11.

3. When Petra and Calder were wondering what they should do next, Petra advises that they
should do what Charles Fort would do. What was that?

4. As Calder and Petra consider all of the sinister things going on, they list four things:
 Petra's dream ______________ had been stolen
 __________ __________ was acting weird
 Calder was worried about _______________
 ______ ___________ was hurt

5. What startling revelation about Vermeer's paintings was revealed in the letter to the editor?

34

6. Go back and read the letter in Chapter One. What task had the letter-writer identified for the
three recipients?

7. Why were Calder and Petra looking forward to their visit with Mrs. Sharpe?

8. Think of four adjectives which would properly describe Mrs. Sharpe's personality.
9. Identify what was strange about the following incidents:

a) When Calder tried to call Tommy.
b) Petra's dad's business trip.
10. What was the significance to Calder's feeling that the stolen painting involved a dark wood?

35

Language Activities
A. Choose ten words from these chapters with two or more syllables. Indicate the syllables

by drawing a line between each syllable. Example: Cal / der.

B. Calder's Codes

Decode Tommy letter from Chapter 12.
TOMMY'S LETTER

36

Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapters 13 - 14
Before you read the chapters:

In the next two chapters Calder comes to the rescue of his friend, Tommy. Someone once said, “Truly
great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” What do you think makes
someone a special friend?

Vocabulary:

Write a sentence using the following words. Make sure that the meaning of the word is clear in your
sentence.

undercurrent –

honorable –

passion –

instantaneous –

37

coincidence –

sympathetic -

random -

plurality -

Questions

1. In Chapter 13 Ms. Hussey writes a number of student responses on the blackboard as to
what they might do if they received a letter from the art thief. Can you think of any
additional possibilities?

2. Why do you think the phrase "You will come to agree with me" elicited such a positive
response with the general public?

3. Why do you think the art thief mailed his three advertisements from such diverse places?

4. When Calder asks Mrs. Sharpe if he can use her bathroom (so he can snoop around) she lets
him, but Calder remarks that she gave him a glance, as if to say, "I'm old but not that old".
Why then do you think she still allowed him to use the bathroom?

38

5. What did Petra and Calder do to raise money - and why?
b. Why was this necessary?
6. What was Mrs. Sharpe's shocking response to receiving the letter? Why do you think she

responded in this manner?
7. What did Petra and Calder discover about Mrs. Sharpe's background that was intriguing?

Self-portrait of Jan Vermeer from behind.
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Language Activities
A. We have already read about a number of important conflicts in this novel. Conflict is an

important element in a work of fiction. There are generally three types of conflict: person against
person; person against self; and person against nature. Find three examples of conflict in Chasing
Vermeer, and tell which type of conflict each is.

1.

2.

3.

B. Who is going to help the poor old action word?

An adverb is a part of speech defined as a modifier (or helper) of a verb (usually an action word).
Often an adverb will end in the letters ly (i.e. slowly). Chapters 13-14 feature a good many creative
adverbs.

Her eyes suddenly filled with tears.
In this sentence, what verb does suddenly modify? ____________________

It said simply: You are doing the right thing.
In this sentence, what verb does simply modify? ____________________

He worked extra quickly on shelving the picture books . . .
In this sentence, the adverb _______________ modifies the verb ____________.

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C. Calder's Codes

Decode Tommy letter from Chapter 14.
TOMMY'S LETTER

D. Write the plural of the following nouns from these chapters. Careful – you may wish to

consult a dictionary for some of these words.

Singular Noun Plural Noun
thief
foot

authority
box

person
history
woman
decade
brownie

city

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 15 - 16

Before you read the chapters:

In the coming chapters Ms. Hussey faces a very serious accusation - a fact which upsets her class.
How do you think her students will react to this crisis? Why do you feel this way?

Vocabulary:

Choose a word from the list to complete each definition.

turret gargoyles coincidence reminisce dispense
grope exception conspicuous irritated research

1. Rolling four sixes in a row was a huge _____________.

2. If you apologize to me I will make an __________________.

3. Uncle Bert's absence from the family reunion was very _____________ to everyone present.

4. I'm sure if the statisticians do further ______________ they will come to the same
conclusion as the general public.

5. The stone ___________ decorating the castle entrance were very frightening in appearance.

6. The contestant seemed to ___________ for an answer to the challenging question.

7. "We can __________________ with the formalities," the judge said impatiently.

8. The princess was being kept prisoner in the castle's ____________.

9. When visiting my aunts, we found it more difficult to ______________ with strangers present.

10. One could plainly see how ______________ your mother was just by looking at the color
of her face.

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Questions

1. What happened to Ms. Hussey at the beginning of Chapter 15?
Describe the reaction of her class as a result of this.

2. What did Petra overhear Ms. Hussey say on her cell phone the next day, giving them a hint
as to the location of the missing painting?

b. What made Petra think that Ms. Hussey was in danger?

3. While Petra and Calder were discussing things in Fargo Hall, Calder pulls out the U
pentomino. What three words did Calder consider that the U might stand for?

4. What did the clues "key-pearl-heel" sound like?
5. What strategy did Petra and Calder come up with in order to have the excuse for searching

the school thoroughly?

6. Why did Calder have to remain in the supply room?

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7. Describe Chapter Sixteen's surprise ending.

Language Activities
A. Investigations

Francis Wayland Parker, a pioneer of the progressive school movement, and a colleague of the great
educator, John Dewey, is mentioned in Chapter 16. Using resources in your school library or on the
Internet, research three pertinent facts about Francis Parker's life or educational philosophy.

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B. There are a number of interesting characters featured in this novel. Choose any two of the

principal characters. These two people will no doubt have a number of important similarities and
differences. In the comparison framework below compare these two individuals by selecting criteria
you feel reveals the similarities and/or differences between them. You may select items regarding their
appearance and/or character.

Criteria Character 1: Character 2:
1.
2.
3.
4.

C. The author does not shy away from exaggerating when wanting to speak for effect. In Chapter 15,

the students in Petra and Calder's class say: "That rat is dead meat!" and "Yeah - a memory!"

Define exaggeration:

Give another example of exaggeration - either from the novel or your own imagination.

Why do you think an author might use this device to make his/her story more interesting?

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Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

Chapter 17 - 18
Before you read the chapters:

Your conscience is the measure of the honesty of your selfishness. Listen to it carefully. Richard Bach
In the coming chapters Calder and Petra are faced with a serious dilemma - whether they should follow
their conscious, or do something which they may live to regret. Look at the quote by Richard Back
above, and either defend or refute it.

Vocabulary:

Synonyms are words with similar meanings. Using the context of the sentences below, choose the best
synonym for the underlined words in each sentence.

1. Mrs. Freemont is a most elegant young woman.

a) grotesque b) dignified c) justified d) temperate

2. Jon was a little too vigorous in completing his assigned task.

a) enervated b) pensive c) ignorant d) energetic

3. Who would have thought that the young boy's actions would inspire the people?

a) encourage b) bribe c) disrespect d) infuriate

4. Let's hope that we are not regarded as the prey of anyone.

a) prayer b) quarry c) livelihood d) virtue

5. It isn't often we see such intensity on the ice.

a) coordination b) talent c) passion d) belligerence

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6. The painting was attributed to Vermeer.

a) ascribed b) given c) sold d) passed on

7. Even Matthew's teacher did not know what to do about the sudden dilemma the class found

themselves in.

a) good-fortune b) calibration c) disrespect d) crisis

8. Little did the moth suspect that it would find the porch light to be so irresistible.

a) formidable b) frightening c) compelling d) bright

Questions

1. What pentomino did you find in the picture from Chapter 17?

2. The author makes the point that some words are more elegant or graceful than others (i.e.
some have peanut butter and jelly sounds and others caviar.) With a colleague come up with
six examples of each type of word - either from the novel or your own choices.

Caviar Words Peanut Butter Words

3. A confusion over homonyms. When Calder pulled the letter P pentomino from his pocket,
what did he suggest it stood for? What word did Petra mistakenly think he meant?

Calder's Suggestion Petra's Interpretation

4. Why did someone provide funds so that the expensive art book could be sold for $1.50?
What was the result?

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5. How would you interpret the following sentence: It was the first time that many people had
realized how murky and changeable the waters of history can be.

6. How is the title of Chapter 18 a possible example of foreshadowing?
7. What did Mrs. Sharpe ask Calder to do? How did this present Calder and Petra with a

dilemma? How was it solved?

Language Activities
A. Copy out any three sentences from these chapters and underline the verbs.

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B. Interview at least three other students for their views of this novel. (Try to get

both positive and negative comments.) Write a brief report putting these views together.

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C. Found Poetry

Found Poetry is a type of poetry created by taking words, phrases, and
sometimes whole passages from prose (like novels or short stories) and
reframing them as poetry by making changes in spacing and/or lines. We
see a possible example of this at the beginning of Chapter 17.

The TASK. Find a picture book from your classroom or school (or public)
library which is written in prose (not poetry). By reframing the prose, create
an example of found poetry for a specific selection (i.e. 1-2 pages) of this
picture book, then record your example below.

Name of Page #'s Found Poetry
Picture

Book

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