Calder's friends Petra and Tommy must fly to England to help Calder's father find him. But this mystery has more twists and turns than a calder mobile caught in a fierce wind - with more at stake that meets the eye.
©2008 Blue Balliett; (P)2008 Random House, Inc.
"Bit of a Let Down"
The previous 2 books in this series were excellent, opening up the world of art in an intriguing and engaging way. This third book began with promise, honest in the strain of relationships between the kids and the changes in moving to the next grade, and quickly introducing the mobiles of Alexander Calder. Throughout the book Ms. Balliett works in English history, teaching as well as entertaining. However, there are a few changes of heart that aren't explained, and some changes of heart that should happen, but don't. Calder Pilay is made to feel so ashamed to be an American it practically ruins his trip with his father. Even at the end, the Anti-American opinion is merely ignored by the bigots who expressed it, although some of the heroes, the art collector, and certainly the injured are Americans. Ms Balliett does an excellent job in presenting art and art history, but would be well advised to think before insulting many of the people who buy her books and thereby provide her an income.