The Calder Game
Encyclopedia
The Calder Game is a children's novel written by Blue Balliett
and illustrated by Brett Helquist
, published in 2008. It is the sequel to The Wright 3
. Some underlying themes include the art of Alexander Calder
, pentomino
es, and the freedom of public art.
and becomes interested in an unexpected Alexander Calder
sculpture
in the town square. On the same night, both Calder and the sculpture disappear. His friends Petra and Tommy fly to England to aid his father in finding him.
called it "every bit as intricate, engaging, and delightful" as its two precursors and praised the structure of the novel. Publishers Weekly
was positive and wrote that it was "an ambitious novel". BookPage's Alice Cary praised the pacing and intriguing questions. The website Kidsreads.com
claimed that The Calder Game is "Balliett's best work of fiction yet".
However, Kirkus Reviews
felt that The Calder Game "falls short of Chasing Vermeer
brilliance" and it was marred by a "problematic construction and too many tidy dei ex machinis".
Blue Balliett
Blue Balliett is an American 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...
and illustrated by Brett Helquist
Brett Helquist
Brett L. Helquist is an American illustrator best known for his work in the children's books A Series of Unfortunate Events. As such, his illustrations for that series have appeared in multiple media, including the books, the audiobook covers, the calendars, and so on.- Background :According to...
, published in 2008. It is the sequel to The Wright 3
The Wright 3
The Wright 3 is a 2006 children's mystery novel written by Blue Balliett and illustrated by Brett Helquist. It was released in Spring 2006 and is the sequel to the children's novel Chasing Vermeer. It chronicles how Calder, Petra, and Tommy strive to save the Robie House in their neighborhood, Hyde...
. Some underlying themes include the art of Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder was an American sculptor and artist most famous for inventing mobile sculptures. In addition to mobile and stable sculpture, Alexander Calder also created paintings, lithographs, toys, tapestry, jewelry and household objects.-Childhood:Alexander "Sandy" Calder was born in Lawnton,...
, pentomino
Pentomino
A pentomino is a polyomino composed of five congruent squares, connected along their edges ....
es, and the freedom of public art.
Plot overview
Calder Pillay travels with his father to a Woodstock, OxfordshireWoodstock, Oxfordshire
Woodstock is a small town northwest of Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. It is the location of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Winston Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace in 1874 and is buried in the nearby village of Bladon....
and becomes interested in an unexpected Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder was an American sculptor and artist most famous for inventing mobile sculptures. In addition to mobile and stable sculpture, Alexander Calder also created paintings, lithographs, toys, tapestry, jewelry and household objects.-Childhood:Alexander "Sandy" Calder was born in Lawnton,...
sculpture
Sculpture
Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials—typically stone such as marble—or metal, glass, or wood. Softer materials can also be used, such as clay, textiles, plastics, polymers and softer metals...
in the town square. On the same night, both Calder and the sculpture disappear. His friends Petra and Tommy fly to England to aid his father in finding him.
Critical reception
The Calder Game received mainly positive reviews. School Library JournalSchool Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
called it "every bit as intricate, engaging, and delightful" as its two precursors and praised the structure of the novel. Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
was positive and wrote that it was "an ambitious novel". BookPage's Alice Cary praised the pacing and intriguing questions. The website Kidsreads.com
Kidsreads.com
KidsReads.com is a website, designed for children aged 6-12, containing information about children's books and authors, and some related games. The website was founded in 1996 by Carol Fitsgerald. As of 2009, Kidsreads.com had a following of over 350,000 readers each month. Its mascot is a...
claimed that The Calder Game is "Balliett's best work of fiction yet".
However, Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus . Kirkus serves the book and literary trade sector, including libraries, publishers, literary and film agents, film and TV producers and booksellers. Kirkus Reviews is published on the first and 15th of each month...
felt that The Calder Game "falls short of Chasing Vermeer
Chasing Vermeer
Chasing Vermeer is a 2004 children's art mystery novel written by Blue Balliett and illustrated by Brett Helquist. Set in Hyde Park, Chicago near the University of Chicago, the novel follows two children, Calder Pillay and Petra Andalee...
brilliance" and it was marred by a "problematic construction and too many tidy dei ex machinis".