Dan Gutman’s latest middle grade novel is a unique one. It’s not your typical beginning, middle, and end story.
The plot begins with 12-year-old Edwin Hodge’s first person narration. He’s at a flea market with his parents when he spots a Kobe Bryant basketball poster. After bargaining with the owner, he buys the framed picture for $10. End of story.? Far from it!
Once at home he finds an original Pablo Picasso drawing hidden in the frame. Excitement and pure panic follow him the rest of the way. First though there is a timeout as another narrator takes us through a timeline when the real Mona Lisa was stolen. It’s a fascinating read but I’m not sure if young readers will react the same way while reading these three background chapters. They may be anxious to get back to the main story.
Edwin returns for the rest of the way. On advice from his teacher he and his parents drive to Chicago to get the work appraised from an art expert. Turns out work is authentic and could be worth millions!
Life as Edwin knows it immediately changes. Kids at school treat him differently and he soon becomes a world famous social media superstar. Worse though are people tapping his phone, breaking into his house, and threatening him. This includes adults and a bully at school. What will Edwin finally do with his prized possession?
We may never know as the last page leaves us on a cliffhanger. I would have preferred to have Edwin’s decision right then. The more I thought about it though this provides a great opportunity for discussion based around WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Overall THE PICASSO CURSE is a fantastic blend of fact and fiction done in an appealing way.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 2, 2025. PAGE COUNT: 192
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE PICASSO CURSE BY DAN GUTMAN
- The back pages detail the fact and fiction part of the story. It’s a great must read that begins with “Everything in this book is true, except for the stuff I made up.”
- You got to love Edwin’s parents. They are supportive and let Edwin make the final choice. Bravo to them.
- The book begs to be read out loud with frequent stops for discussion. I handed my copy over to a fifth grade teacher and you could hear the kids debating at lunch time.
- You get an inside look at the anxiety caused by a decision you must make. So true for most things going on in one’s life that take some thinking before deciding.
- Another choice for that child in your life where reading is at the bottom of their list. The fast pace and Edwin’s kid like worries will appeal to not only reluctant readers but also for those who love to read.
ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Dan Gutman has written more than 190 books for readers from kindergarten through middle school. Dan’s My Weird School series includes 100+ titles, and has sold more than 35 million copies globally over the past 20 years. Dan also is the author of the best-selling Genius Files series, the Baseball Card Adventure series, and many more.
Dan’s books have been named Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, and have been awarded numerous state book awards, including: The California Young Reader Medal, the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, and the Iowa Children’s Choice Award, among others. When he’s not writing books, Dan loves to ride his bike, play pickleball, throw Frisbees, and explore New York City where he lives with his wife Nina. To find out more, follow Dan on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 