Hi there, this week’s review takes on a different subject entirely. It’s all about art history and some dark family secrets. I had read this book with hope that I will learn quite a bit about art history and it didn’t disappoint. Just a small note though: keep some tissues handy!
Title: Under the egg
Author: Laura Marx Fitzgerald
Genre: Fiction – contemporary
Publication details: Dial Books for Young Readers; NY, 2014
ISBN: 9780803740013
What this book is about: Theodora Tenpenny is responsible for tending to the family’s 200-year-old townhouse, caring for a flock of unwieldy chickens, and supporting her fragile mother, all on her grandfather’s legacy of $463. When she discovers a painting in the house that looks like a priceless masterpiece, instead of being happy about it, Theo is quite wary of it. Her late grandfather had been a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Theo’s suspicions about the true value of the painting leads to doubts on her grandfather’s true identity.
My review: A truly spine-tingling, fast-paced, and cool story!! The author’s own study of art history and vibrant writing brings art history alive in this lovely story. I really loved reading this story and enjoyed getting to know the formidable cast of characters. There were some funny episodes and sad ones mixed together in this story. On a more serious note, this story also talks of prisoners of war in World War 2 and the terrible atrocities that occurred there. I felt that this story showed their stories in the most touching and poignant light. A truly remarkable and profound read!! I would recommend this particular tween read be read by kids 11 and over, preferably with a parent!!
My rating: 4.5 ⭐
This book has been a recipient of quite a few awards. These include:
ALA Notable Children’s Book, Bank Street CBC Best Children’s Book of the Year, NAIBA Book of the Year for Middle Readers 2014, and it was a VDL Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award nominee for 2016.
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 