Reviews

The Calder Game by Blue Balliett

kidclamp's review against another edition

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3.0

There was a lot I liked about this, the three characters are interesting and they form good relationships, the plot is intriguing and compelling and I like the hint that puzzles that can help lead you to the answer, but that's the problem too, the puzzles are only a hint and end up not actually relating to the solution of the mystery. Two kids travel to England and have an adventure and become friends, but actually do nothing relating to solving the mystery. After building and building the plot simply unravels in the end.

julianna_schock's review against another edition

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5.0

These books are so good! They are unique, fun, and literate! Blue Balliett is SOO CREATIVE!!!!! I LOVE CALDER, PETRA, and TOMMY!

kdotbuck's review against another edition

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4.0

This is just the book I would give to my 12 year old self. Or my 12 year old child. It's interesting, well written and has great quirky characters. Also, you can never have too much Calder.

ren8ions's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.75

ito_ed's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ellie_egg's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

blakehalsey's review

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3.0

Not as good as her two previous books, but still a great book filled, once again, with interesting patterns and combinations of math, art, language, mystery, and intrigue.

dlberglund's review against another edition

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3.0

The third book about smart, adventurous friends from Chicago. The first 2 were GREAT. I didn't love this one as much. It's set in a small town in England, where there is a crime, or two...that, of course, our main characters (7th graders) need to solve before the police can. The author says that this book rolled out of her faster and easier than the other 2. I'm not sure what that means, if I found this one harder to relate to (or suspend disbelief about). Also, their new teacher is just horrible. That irks me.

raquel_reading_stuff's review against another edition

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2.0

This book was my least favorite of the series. Calder is hardly in it, which is disappointing because he is what sticks the Wright 3 together. There are hardly any piecing together, codes, or even odd coincidences in this book, but I would still read it to conclude the series

bookworm32's review against another edition

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4.0

Another great romp into the intellectual world of art and intrigue for the kids! Blue Balliett delivers once again a wonderful mystery that takes Calder and his two friends, Tommy and Petra, away from Chicago and into a small town in England. I was dubious at first, wondering how these characters would fare in a far off country, but it was done superbly! A must read for any kids who enjoy mysteries, but especially those who enjoy art as well.