Description

This summer, we’re heading to Chicago for a high-stakes mystery filled with clues, codes, and hidden meanings. Readers will dive into Chasing Vermeer, a modern mystery where art, math, and curiosity collide. Each session includes trivia, themed vocabulary, mystery decoding, and a hands-on paper craft inspired by the week’s reading.

No prior knowledge of codes or art history needed—just a sharp eye and an open mind!

🧩 Unlock the Mystery, One Clue at a Time!

Join Petra and Calder as they unravel one of the biggest art thefts in Chicago history in Chasing Vermeer—a book where math, visual clues, and coincidence aren’t just interesting… they might be the key to solving everything. Each week, we’ll follow their investigation while building our own mystery-solving toolkit through crafts, games, and discussion.

Chasing Vermeer – A letter arrives warning of a stolen painting and only two sixth graders seem to notice the clues. With the help of pentominoes, intuition, and a mysterious book, Petra and Calder start chasing the truth through museums, maps, and math.

We’ll explore hidden codes, unusual illustrations, and why how you look at something might be just as important as what you’re seeing.

🧠 Big Ideas & Mystery Thinking

This book club encourages critical thinking, connection-making, and discussion around themes that stretch curious minds:

• 🔍 Perception & Truth – Can two people see the same thing and come to different conclusions? What makes something true?
• 📖 Art & Interpretation – What is art supposed to do? Who decides what it means?
• 🌀 Patterns & Coincidence – When are patterns meaningful, and when are they just… random?
• 👥 Friendship & Teamwork – How do Petra and Calder work through conflict and learn to trust each other?
• 🎲 Risk & Responsibility – What happens when you chase the truth and no one else believes you?

🗓️ Week-by-Week Mystery Mission:

Week 1: The Letter Arrives – We’ll kick things off with code-breaking icebreakers and a creative pentomino artboard craft inspired by Calder’s unique way of thinking.

Week 2: Patterns and Perception – This week, we explore the strange coincidences and hidden patterns in the story with a cipher stationery set and secret message challenge.

Week 3: Art and Illusion – Students will uncover the mystery of the missing painting while crafting an accordion-style optical illusion art piece. We’ll discuss how seeing isn’t always believing.

Week 4: Clue in the Frame – Readers will reflect on the clues they’ve followed so far and create a foldable “Portrait of a Clue” flip-frame, hiding a mysterious message of their own.

Week 5: Final Debate & Clue Chasers Face-Off – It all ends with a fast-paced debate and our Jeopardy-style game, The Clue Chasers Face-Off! We’ll explore the story’s biggest questions: What makes something true? Can art be a clue? And when should a secret be kept?

 

Why Join Miss Kyria’s Book Club?

• Interactive Learning: Kids will engage with the text through debates, role-playing games, and creative storytelling.
• Social Connection: A great way for young readers to make friends, share ideas, and discuss books in a supportive environment.
• Enhanced Reading Skills: Reinforces comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking.

 

🕵️‍♂️ Secure your spot now! Clue Chasers is perfect for kids who love puzzles, art, and mystery—and who are ready to level up their thinking this summer.

 

 

🎨 Weekly Activities:

Each session includes trivia, themed vocabulary, story discussion, and a live print-and-assemble craft project.

• Week 1: Pentomino Artboard – Turn geometry into storytelling

• Week 2: Cipher Stationery Set – Write secret notes and decode clues

• Week 3: Accordion Illusion Art – Make your own optical mystery

• Week 4: Portrait of a Clue Flip-Frame – Hide a clue behind a classic frame

💡 What You’ll Need:

• A printed craft file each week

• Scissors, crayons/markers, and  glue stick

• A copy of the 4 books in the Chasing Vermeer series

 

🧠 What’s Included:

• 4 live book club sessions with themed games

• 1 Debate & Face-Off Game Night with trivia, challenges, and prizes

• Printable crafts each week (no special supplies needed)

• Participation in the Clue Chasers Challenge – my original Jeopardy-style mystery game

FAQ Section

What books are included?

• Chasing Vermeer https://amzn.to/3Ez31on
• The Wright 3 https://amzn.to/42Kjpud
• The Calder Game https://amzn.to/4cMu2RU
• Pieces and Players https://amzn.to/4jJk6ei

What if my child isn’t a confident reader?
No worries! This program is designed for all reading levels. Our activities, discussions, and creative projects allow every participant to engage in their own way.

Do we need to purchase materials?
Yes, participants need copies of the four books (available via the provided link) and basic materials for optional crafts.

What technology is required?
Participants will need a computer or tablet with internet access and a webcam for virtual meetings.

🟡 Replay not available (live-only sessions)

🟡 Hosted live via Zoom-style platform

Is this program safe and age-appropriate?
Absolutely! The club is moderated by skilled educators and hosted in secure online environments. Activities are designed to be fun, educational, and perfect for ages 9-13.

Can siblings or friends join together?
Yes! We encourage friends to join for even more collaborative fun.