Grade 6 Math Book · Shapes & Geometry
Chasing Vermeer
by Blue Balliett
When a famous Vermeer painting disappears, sixth-graders Petra and Calder start noticing strange coincidences. Using patterns, codes and a set of pentominoes, they race to solve the mystery.
Why it's useful
A mystery novel that builds pattern thinking and spatial reasoning.
- Pentominoes. The 12 shapes made from 5 squares appear throughout.
- Codes and patterns. Readers look for hidden clues.
- Logical thinking. Solving the mystery takes careful reasoning.
Try it in class or at home
- Find all 12. Students find all the pentominoes using grid paper.
- Pentomino puzzles. Fit pentominoes into a rectangle.
- Crack a code. Write a message in a simple code and swap with a friend.