Masterpiece [Paperback]

ANew York Timesbestselling middle grade mystery novel full of adventure, friendship, and stolen art.

Marvin lives with his family under the kitchen sink in the Pompadays' apartment. He is very much a beetle. James Pompaday lives with his family in New York City. He is very much an eleven-year-old boy. After James gets a pen-and-ink set for his birthday, Marvin surprises him by creating an elaborate miniature drawing. James gets all the credit for the picture and before these unlikely friends know it they are caught up in a staged art heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that could help recover a famous drawing by Albrecht D?rer. But James can't go through with the plan without Marvin's help. And that's where things get really complicated (and interesting!). This fast-paced mystery will have young readers on the edge of their seats as they root for boy and beetle.

InShakespeare's SecretElise Broach showed her keen ability to weave storytelling with history and suspense, andMasterpieceis yet another example of her talent. This time around it's an irresistible miniature world, fascinating art history, all wrapped up in a special friendship something for everyone to enjoy.

Masterpieceis a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Elise Broachis theNew York Timesbestselling author of books for children and young adults, includingDesert CrossingandShakespeare's Secret, as well as several picture books. Her books have been selected as ALA notable books, Junior Library Guild selections, an E.B. White Read Aloud Award, and nominated for an Edgar Award, among other distinctions. Ms. Broach holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from Yale University. She was born in Georgia and lives in the woods of rural Connecticut, walking distance from three farms, a library, a post office and two country stores.

Kelly Murphyhas illustrated many books for childlc