The Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks is my sixth Nutmeg nominee read. A twelve-year old boy, aptly named Art, wakes up in the National Gallery in Washington D.C.. He has no memory of who he is or how he got there.
He is placed with a temporary foster parent Mary, and her ten-year-old, spit-fire daughter Camille. The trio return to the National Gallery the next day in hopes that it will help jog Art’s memory. In doing so, they begin to realize that Art is being hunted by a pack of very determined people led by mastermind Dorchek Palmer. It becomes clear that Art has information proving a forgery which would stop a multi-million dollar Van Gogh sale from occurring. Art and Camille lead their followers on a crazy adventure as Art tries to put together the pieces of who he is.
Sadly, I was the first person to check out this book from my public library. I think kids will enjoy the book too, if they could get past a bit of confusion in the opening chapters. This is not only a book for art lovers, but one for those who enjoy mystery and adventure. There are QR codes throughout the book which link to the art being discussed too. Overall, it’s a fun and engaging read.
Read, Review, Repeat 