Elise Broach's Masterpiece is lauded for its charming and imaginative story, engaging young readers with its delightful mix of art history and adventure. Critics appreciate the well-crafted characters and the book's ability to inspire curiosity and creativity. However, some note that the plot may feel slow-paced at times and the resolution a bit predictable. Overall, it's a delightful read for middle graders.

Masterpiece by Elise Broach captivates Middle Grade readers aged 8-12 who enjoy mystery, friendship, and art. Fans of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and The One and Only Ivan will appreciate the blend of creativity and adventure as a young boy and a beetle collaborate to solve an art heist.

Masterpiece by Elise Broach follows Marvin, a beetle, and James, an eleven-year-old boy, as they team up to solve the mystery of a stolen drawing from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Marvin's artistic talent and their budding friendship lead them into an adventure involving a staged robbery, deceit, and a thrilling chase through the underground art world.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Heartwarming / Contemplative

- The illustrations in Masterpiece were created by the talented artist Kelly Murphy, adding a visual charm to Elise Broach's engaging storytelling.
- Elise Broach's Masterpiece won several prestigious awards, including the 2009 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers.
- Masterpiece was inspired in part by author Elise Broach's fascination with art thefts, miniaturism, and the complexities of friendship, blending these elements into a riveting children’s novel.

**Marvin**  
A young beetle living with his parents, who stands out from his family by forming an unlikely friendship with a human boy named James.

**James**  
An observant and sensitive eleven-year-old boy with few friends, who communicates with Marvin through small movements and gestures.

**Christina Balcony**  
A curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a passion for Albrecht Dürer, known for her kindness and attention to detail.

**Karl Terik**  
James’s father, an artist with a close relationship with his son, who takes an interest in showing James the world of art.

**Denny**  
A rumpled-looking curator from the Getty Museum in California, who shares a passion for Dürer's works.

**Mrs. Pompaday**  
James's mother, preoccupied with appearances and social status, often prioritizing these over her son's needs.

Elise Broach

Middle grade

Novel

The Masterpiece Adventures

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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Masterpiece Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Masterpiece Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Masterpiece Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Masterpiece Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Masterpiece Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

Masterpiece Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Masterpiece Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

Masterpiece Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-38

Masterpiece Chapters 36-38 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Masterpiece Character Analysis

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Themes

Masterpiece Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Masterpiece Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Masterpiece Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Masterpiece Essay Topics

Masterpiece

Before You Read

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