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It’s a RHAP, Cat
When twelve-year-old Cat discovers her look-alike in a portrait by Raphael, she can't wait to research this mysterious lady from the 16th century. But sparks fly when she signs up for the Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP) contest.
To win, Cat needs to ask her one-time rival, Trey. She's distracted by softball. He's distracted by lacrosse. They're both distracted by the class diva.
Will she find clues in old letters handed down over generations? Or will the lady's secrets remain undeciphered? It's up to Cat to solve the riddle. If only more than five hundred years didn't stand in her way!
To win, Cat needs to ask her one-time rival, Trey. She's distracted by softball. He's distracted by lacrosse. They're both distracted by the class diva.
Will she find clues in old letters handed down over generations? Or will the lady's secrets remain undeciphered? It's up to Cat to solve the riddle. If only more than five hundred years didn't stand in her way!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2023
3 people want to read
About the author
Lee Y. Miao
3 books10 followersLee grew up in a small Pennsylvania town with a library to die for. After working in financial jobs and writing K-12 educational material, she turned to middle-grade fiction. She’s inspired by stories connecting family and friendships with having fun and overcoming hurdles. Lee lives with her family and an adorable dog.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 16, 2023
This was such a great read, filled with art, history, mystery, and heart! When self-proclaimed history nerd, Cat, discovers her look-alike in Raphael painting from the Renaissance era, she is fascinated. So much so that she quickly makes plans to research the painting next year in Honors history. But when she bombs the entrance exam and doesn't make the cut for the class, her plans change. There's only one way for her to get into the coveted class - win the Renaissance History and Art Project contest(RHAP, for short). And the more she learns, the more mysterious the painting seems and Cat becomes determined not only to win the contest, but to solve the puzzles. Both letters from the past and relatives in Rome provide clues, but can she figure it out in time to win the contest and earn her place in Honors history?
Cat is a fun, spunky heroine, and I enjoyed following her throughout the story. I also enjoyed her friendship with her RHAP partner and first crush, Trey. It was a really sweet storyline, and I could just feel the butterflies in Cat's stomach. I also appreciated how multifaceted the kids were. Cat is just as passionate about softball as she is about history, and Trey is a history buff, lacrosse player, and talented artist. I liked how the kids weren't separated into nerd and jocks, and Miao showed that kids absolutely can be bookish AND athletic, not to mention artistic, all at the same time. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
I also appreciated how Cat's relationship with her mother developed throughout the story. Her mom works out of town and is only home on the weekends, which causes some hurt and resentment. Throughout the story, they slowly work through things, improving communication and strengthening their relationship as they go.
I cannot wait to share this with students and am pre-ordering a copy for our school library! I know it will be well-loved!
Cat is a fun, spunky heroine, and I enjoyed following her throughout the story. I also enjoyed her friendship with her RHAP partner and first crush, Trey. It was a really sweet storyline, and I could just feel the butterflies in Cat's stomach. I also appreciated how multifaceted the kids were. Cat is just as passionate about softball as she is about history, and Trey is a history buff, lacrosse player, and talented artist. I liked how the kids weren't separated into nerd and jocks, and Miao showed that kids absolutely can be bookish AND athletic, not to mention artistic, all at the same time. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
I also appreciated how Cat's relationship with her mother developed throughout the story. Her mom works out of town and is only home on the weekends, which causes some hurt and resentment. Throughout the story, they slowly work through things, improving communication and strengthening their relationship as they go.
I cannot wait to share this with students and am pre-ordering a copy for our school library! I know it will be well-loved!
January 19, 2023
It’s a RHAP, Cat is a rich MG mystery, with lots of interesting history and true middle-grade heart. Lee Y. Miao even managed to weave in a sweet crush that’s just right for MG readers.
I recognized so much of myself at this age in curious Cat. She’s resourceful and a great sleuth as she investigates the history behind a Renaissance painting she recognizes herself in.
The supporting cast is interesting and feels true to life, especially Cat’s relationship with her mother. It’s a RHAP, Cat is a book you want to add to your home or school library!
I recognized so much of myself at this age in curious Cat. She’s resourceful and a great sleuth as she investigates the history behind a Renaissance painting she recognizes herself in.
The supporting cast is interesting and feels true to life, especially Cat’s relationship with her mother. It’s a RHAP, Cat is a book you want to add to your home or school library!
February 15, 2023
Art and history gain a fun twist in this exciting read, which sneaks in mystery while dealing with usual, middle grade themes.
When Cat sees a double of herself in a historical painting, her curiosity is peaked, but her plans to dig into the history of the painting are jostled right along with her chances of getting into Honors History Class. Taking the chance to enter RHAP (a art history contest tied to the Honors class), she gets the help of her crush, Trey. And she'll need it, since the most popular girl of the class is determined to win...and won't take Cat's participation quietly. Add softball drama, family problems, and the issues of first love, and Cat has more than enough to figure out.
This read covers so many things and does it with ease. There's art and history, which not only offer a few glimpses into the subjects but create a mysterious atmosphere around both, driving away the usual 'boredom' the age group might connect with them. Then, there's the normal school and life drama. Cat has to deal with friendship, first crushes, family matters, and balancing everything as well as she can. Next we have sports and dealing with the dynamics that has to offer. Finally, there's the mystery...oh, and a little traveling to Rome tossed in, too. So, it's a broad spectrum, and the author swirls it together smoothly while creating an enjoyable, well-paced read.
Cat is sweet, curious, and a wonderful character to follow. She does her best, gets frustrated, but never gives up. She makes mistakes and has to deal with the consequences. Most importantly, she does work with others and knows when she can't handle something completely alone. All of these made her believable and easy to sympathize with.
The mystery is well-laid for the age group and weaves in with the other aspects well. It's hard to see what the end result will be. The secrets and research do pace themselves well with the other subplots, giving it a rounded atmosphere and keeping something happening on every page. And nothing feels forgotten, either, or rushed. It's a fun read with lovely characters, and I hope to see Cat again soon. I received a DRC and enjoyed the read.
When Cat sees a double of herself in a historical painting, her curiosity is peaked, but her plans to dig into the history of the painting are jostled right along with her chances of getting into Honors History Class. Taking the chance to enter RHAP (a art history contest tied to the Honors class), she gets the help of her crush, Trey. And she'll need it, since the most popular girl of the class is determined to win...and won't take Cat's participation quietly. Add softball drama, family problems, and the issues of first love, and Cat has more than enough to figure out.
This read covers so many things and does it with ease. There's art and history, which not only offer a few glimpses into the subjects but create a mysterious atmosphere around both, driving away the usual 'boredom' the age group might connect with them. Then, there's the normal school and life drama. Cat has to deal with friendship, first crushes, family matters, and balancing everything as well as she can. Next we have sports and dealing with the dynamics that has to offer. Finally, there's the mystery...oh, and a little traveling to Rome tossed in, too. So, it's a broad spectrum, and the author swirls it together smoothly while creating an enjoyable, well-paced read.
Cat is sweet, curious, and a wonderful character to follow. She does her best, gets frustrated, but never gives up. She makes mistakes and has to deal with the consequences. Most importantly, she does work with others and knows when she can't handle something completely alone. All of these made her believable and easy to sympathize with.
The mystery is well-laid for the age group and weaves in with the other aspects well. It's hard to see what the end result will be. The secrets and research do pace themselves well with the other subplots, giving it a rounded atmosphere and keeping something happening on every page. And nothing feels forgotten, either, or rushed. It's a fun read with lovely characters, and I hope to see Cat again soon. I received a DRC and enjoyed the read.
January 26, 2023
It's a RHAP, Cat is the second story in Ellie & Co. Book Series. Caterina, Cat to her friends, loves history and the intrigue that goes with it. When the favorite history teacher, Ms. Bianchi, announces a contest: Renaissance History and Art Project-RHAP. Cat is reluctant to join. The cool girl, Annaka, always wins everything and the boy Cat kind-of-likes, is sure to be Annaka’s partner. But Cat is inspired to research the famous artist Raphael and the painting, The Portrait of a Young Woman With A Unicorn, after seeing the painting when it was on tour in California. The girl in the painting looks eerily like Cat. Is there a family connection? A Renaissance mystery?
In the meantime, six grade drama unfolds. Trey, the cute boy Cat kind-of-likes, agrees to be her art partner. giving Annaka fuel to be more competitive. Cat's softball season may be compromised because her just healed knee is still tender. Then there are home issues. Mom's work takes her away from home for weeks at a time, leaving Cat with her fussy dad and teen-angst sister. Cat would love for her mom to work close to home. But Mom's work takes her to Rome, and the trip becomes a perfect opportunity for Cat to visit old Aunt Alda who may be the keeper of the family secret and to see the famous painting again.
It's a RHAP, Cat is a delightful read for tweens. The pace is fluent, the author described the settings well, and the characters remain consistent throughout the story. The secondary plot, such as fundraising for a teacher gift and arranging for the teacher's sister to visit from Rome, seemed a bit forced. I am not sure how plausible the solving of the mystery was- I am not an art historian. However, the premise may be a golden opportunity for students to delve into the world of art history and ponder so many of the mysteries.
In the meantime, six grade drama unfolds. Trey, the cute boy Cat kind-of-likes, agrees to be her art partner. giving Annaka fuel to be more competitive. Cat's softball season may be compromised because her just healed knee is still tender. Then there are home issues. Mom's work takes her away from home for weeks at a time, leaving Cat with her fussy dad and teen-angst sister. Cat would love for her mom to work close to home. But Mom's work takes her to Rome, and the trip becomes a perfect opportunity for Cat to visit old Aunt Alda who may be the keeper of the family secret and to see the famous painting again.
It's a RHAP, Cat is a delightful read for tweens. The pace is fluent, the author described the settings well, and the characters remain consistent throughout the story. The secondary plot, such as fundraising for a teacher gift and arranging for the teacher's sister to visit from Rome, seemed a bit forced. I am not sure how plausible the solving of the mystery was- I am not an art historian. However, the premise may be a golden opportunity for students to delve into the world of art history and ponder so many of the mysteries.
January 16, 2023
This was such a great read, filled with art, history, mystery, and heart! When self-proclaimed history nerd, Cat, discovers her look-alike in Raphael painting from the Renaissance era, she is fascinated. So much so that she quickly makes plans to research the painting next year in Honors history. But when she bombs the entrance exam and doesn't make the cut for the class, her plans change. There's only one way for her to get into the coveted class - win the Renaissance History and Art Project contest(RHAP, for short). And the more she learns, the more mysterious the painting seems and Cat becomes determined not only to win the contest, but to solve the puzzles. Both letters from the past and relatives in Rome provide clues, but can she figure it out in time to win the contest and earn her place in Honors history?
Cat is a fun, spunky heroine, and I enjoyed following her throughout the story. I also enjoyed her friendship with her RHAP partner and first crush, Trey. It was a really sweet storyline, and I could just feel the butterflies in Cat's stomach. I also appreciated how multifaceted the kids were. Cat is just as passionate about softball as she is about history, and Trey is a history buff, lacrosse player, and talented artist. I liked how the kids weren't separated into nerd and jocks, and Miao showed that kids absolutely can be bookish AND athletic, not to mention artistic, all at the same time. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
I also appreciated how Cat's relationship with her mother developed throughout the story. Her mom works out of town and is only home on the weekends, which causes some hurt and resentment. Throughout the story, they slowly work through things, improving communication and strengthening their relationship as they go.
I cannot wait to share this with students and am pre-ordering a copy for our school library! I know it will be well-loved!
Cat is a fun, spunky heroine, and I enjoyed following her throughout the story. I also enjoyed her friendship with her RHAP partner and first crush, Trey. It was a really sweet storyline, and I could just feel the butterflies in Cat's stomach. I also appreciated how multifaceted the kids were. Cat is just as passionate about softball as she is about history, and Trey is a history buff, lacrosse player, and talented artist. I liked how the kids weren't separated into nerd and jocks, and Miao showed that kids absolutely can be bookish AND athletic, not to mention artistic, all at the same time. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
I also appreciated how Cat's relationship with her mother developed throughout the story. Her mom works out of town and is only home on the weekends, which causes some hurt and resentment. Throughout the story, they slowly work through things, improving communication and strengthening their relationship as they go.
I cannot wait to share this with students and am pre-ordering a copy for our school library! I know it will be well-loved!
February 21, 2023
Review from my daughter Paige (12):
A history enthusiast finds a portrait of an early Renaissance woman who looks just like her, and now she must find out who this woman was.
Twelve-year-old Caterina, or Cat, travels to a Renaissance exhibit in San Francisco with her mom. At the museum, she finds a portrait of a woman carrying a unicorn who looks just like her. Cat is excited to find out who this woman is; to do so, Cat must get into honors social studies to study more about that mysterious portrait. But her only problem is that she failed the test to get there, so she must compete in the Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP) contest about Renaissance artists. Will Cat find a partner and win first prize?
The minute Renaissance was mentioned in this book, I was hooked. The Renaissance (the 1300s-1600s) is my all-time favorite historical period, so it perfectly fits me! It included information about women I already knew about and some I didn't. I enjoy learning about this vibrant period.
I heard Cat's name mentioned in the first book, Wei to Go, so it was interesting to learn more about her as she is at the center of this book. Cat is a history nerd like I am and is good at writing. She is also a great friend.
The theme of It's a RHAP, Cat is that History always grows new seeds. I recommend this book to mystery fans and history buffs who enjoy reading about the Renaissance.
Thank you, Ms. Lee Y Miao, for sharing your creative book.
A history enthusiast finds a portrait of an early Renaissance woman who looks just like her, and now she must find out who this woman was.
Twelve-year-old Caterina, or Cat, travels to a Renaissance exhibit in San Francisco with her mom. At the museum, she finds a portrait of a woman carrying a unicorn who looks just like her. Cat is excited to find out who this woman is; to do so, Cat must get into honors social studies to study more about that mysterious portrait. But her only problem is that she failed the test to get there, so she must compete in the Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP) contest about Renaissance artists. Will Cat find a partner and win first prize?
The minute Renaissance was mentioned in this book, I was hooked. The Renaissance (the 1300s-1600s) is my all-time favorite historical period, so it perfectly fits me! It included information about women I already knew about and some I didn't. I enjoy learning about this vibrant period.
I heard Cat's name mentioned in the first book, Wei to Go, so it was interesting to learn more about her as she is at the center of this book. Cat is a history nerd like I am and is good at writing. She is also a great friend.
The theme of It's a RHAP, Cat is that History always grows new seeds. I recommend this book to mystery fans and history buffs who enjoy reading about the Renaissance.
Thank you, Ms. Lee Y Miao, for sharing your creative book.
August 31, 2024
Caterina or Cat as she prefers to be called, is a 12-year old history nerd about to graduate from 6th grade. This immensely readable historical mystery begins when Cat sees "Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn" by Italian Renaissance master, Raphael, at an exhibit and realizes, along with her sister Marci, that the girl in the portrait bears a striking and mysterious resemblance to her.
A fun dive into Renaissance art and history complete with a trip to Rome for Cat and her mother ensues as Cat seeks to learn more about the painting and her own Italian relatives. There's plenty of humor and snappy dialogue, including a great cast of characters from Cat's school: her bestie Ellie, Annaka her nemesis, Trey who is her partner for the Renaissance History Art Project (RHAP) and a few spunky teachers and memorable parents.
I love how this book balances a facinating look at another era all the while connecting it to current tween life. I think Miao shines at this in particular.
Her first book in this "Ellie and Co" series, "Wei to Go" is also excellent.
A fun dive into Renaissance art and history complete with a trip to Rome for Cat and her mother ensues as Cat seeks to learn more about the painting and her own Italian relatives. There's plenty of humor and snappy dialogue, including a great cast of characters from Cat's school: her bestie Ellie, Annaka her nemesis, Trey who is her partner for the Renaissance History Art Project (RHAP) and a few spunky teachers and memorable parents.
I love how this book balances a facinating look at another era all the while connecting it to current tween life. I think Miao shines at this in particular.
Her first book in this "Ellie and Co" series, "Wei to Go" is also excellent.
March 7, 2023
Exciting Mystery + Adventure + a Touch of Renaissance
It’s a RHAP, Cat, the second book in the Ellie & Co Series, combines art and Renaissance history in this exciting middle grade mystery adventure. When twelve-year-old Cat visits an art museum in California, she discovers the famous artist Raphael’s painting of a young girl resembles her. She is determined to find out more about this painting and has the opportunity while accompanying her mother on a trip to Rome.
Cat is worried because she needs to win her school’s Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP) contest to secure a place in the honors history program. Solving the mystery of the painting would give her the material to win. It would help to have the best artist as her partner who happens to be the boy she has a crush on but won’t admit.
Author, Lee Y Miao, wove interesting details of Renaissance history and middle grade struggles into this suspenseful, relatable story for tweens. I highly recommend this book.
It’s a RHAP, Cat, the second book in the Ellie & Co Series, combines art and Renaissance history in this exciting middle grade mystery adventure. When twelve-year-old Cat visits an art museum in California, she discovers the famous artist Raphael’s painting of a young girl resembles her. She is determined to find out more about this painting and has the opportunity while accompanying her mother on a trip to Rome.
Cat is worried because she needs to win her school’s Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP) contest to secure a place in the honors history program. Solving the mystery of the painting would give her the material to win. It would help to have the best artist as her partner who happens to be the boy she has a crush on but won’t admit.
Author, Lee Y Miao, wove interesting details of Renaissance history and middle grade struggles into this suspenseful, relatable story for tweens. I highly recommend this book.
March 6, 2025
This book is a fun blend of mystery and middle school drama. Cat is a history-obsessed sixth grader who discovers that the subject of a famous Renaissance painting by Raphael looks just like her. She uses an art history contest to research the painting to try to find out more about its subject, sure she will discover why the lady is her doppelgänger. With the boy she has a crush on as her art partner, and her sixth-grade arch nemesis as her competition, Cat is determined to solve the mystery and win the contest. There is plenty of internal conflict as well, as Cat (1) struggles to understand why her mom is spending more time working than being home with the family, (2) faces a fear of public speaking, and (3) strengthens her relationship with her aloof older sister. Readers will enjoy lots of fun middle school antics with a great cast of characters and a sweet story that "rhaps" up in a happy ending for all.
January 29, 2023
An entertaining middle grade novel full of mystery, fun, and adventure. When Caterina (Cat) realizes she has a doppelganger—and it’s the lady in Raphael’s painting of the lady with a unicorn, she is determined to find out more about this painting. As part of a Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP), Cat and her friend Trey research the history of this Raphael painting and the mystery surrounding the identity of the lady in the painting. Cat’s research even takes her on a trip to Italy where she finds out more about the history of the painting and about her own family history.
I loved how the art history information is woven into Cat’s adventures, and it was interesting to read more about Cat’s friends Ellie and Kipp, who were featured in Miao’s first Ellie & Co book.
It's a RHAP, Cat is a fast-paced adventure story that’s fun to read.
I loved how the art history information is woven into Cat’s adventures, and it was interesting to read more about Cat’s friends Ellie and Kipp, who were featured in Miao’s first Ellie & Co book.
It's a RHAP, Cat is a fast-paced adventure story that’s fun to read.
February 22, 2023
What would you do if you discovered your identical twin in a Renaissance painting by Raphael? No one knows who the lady in the portrait is, but everyone’s staring . . . at you and your painted twin.
Follow Cat in this tween adventure. Can she find the right partner for the Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP)? She has a crush on Trey, the best artist, but so does the class diva. Both girls want to win RHAP, for the glory, and for a seat in honors history. Who will Trey pick? But don’t forget the other twist in the plot – the lady in the painting! Can Cat find a connection?
You’ll have to read for yourself, but be prepared for a roller coaster of an adventure. The best part – this author really understands middle schoolers, their locker kingdom, and their relationships, with each other and with parents too. It’s true . . . there’s nothing like a good roller coaster!
Follow Cat in this tween adventure. Can she find the right partner for the Renaissance History and Art Project (RHAP)? She has a crush on Trey, the best artist, but so does the class diva. Both girls want to win RHAP, for the glory, and for a seat in honors history. Who will Trey pick? But don’t forget the other twist in the plot – the lady in the painting! Can Cat find a connection?
You’ll have to read for yourself, but be prepared for a roller coaster of an adventure. The best part – this author really understands middle schoolers, their locker kingdom, and their relationships, with each other and with parents too. It’s true . . . there’s nothing like a good roller coaster!
March 5, 2023
This is a fun, fast-paced middle grade novel that's full of heart and history. The pre-adolescent struggles of Cat, our narrator, are relatable to us all. First crush. Wanting to be liked. Academic ambition. And a healthy dose of self-doubt, coupled with emerging self-confidence.
I particularly enjoyed how the author balanced these compelling, but somewhat expected, conflicts, with a genuine artistic mystery placed at the book's center. This allows us a three-dimensional window into Cat, her passion for art, and her desire to know her family history. It also allows for some wonderful secondary characters to emerge, particularly during the sequence of the book set in Italy.
Young readers will enjoy this immensely, but there is also plenty here to keep older readers compelled and turning pages.
I particularly enjoyed how the author balanced these compelling, but somewhat expected, conflicts, with a genuine artistic mystery placed at the book's center. This allows us a three-dimensional window into Cat, her passion for art, and her desire to know her family history. It also allows for some wonderful secondary characters to emerge, particularly during the sequence of the book set in Italy.
Young readers will enjoy this immensely, but there is also plenty here to keep older readers compelled and turning pages.
October 30, 2023
Buy this book!!! It is hilarious, heartfelt, and all the other endearing H words there are (those who read will understand this joke).
On a serious note, I loved following Caterina (who prefers to be called Cat) and her friends/family. Each character is so uniquely written from our lead, Cat, to her snappy sister, Marci, and yes, even our young heartthrob, Trey. The RHAP storyline was very compelling, and there were several other plotlines interwoven that kept me interested in the book from start to finish!
In the end, this second novel by Lee Miao was a delight just like the first. She is certainly one of the authors who has a strong grasp of what children are like, and the important lessons we all need to remember. After all, there is no finer teacher than books, as history shows (another inside joke for readers, so read on and discover what I mean) :)
On a serious note, I loved following Caterina (who prefers to be called Cat) and her friends/family. Each character is so uniquely written from our lead, Cat, to her snappy sister, Marci, and yes, even our young heartthrob, Trey. The RHAP storyline was very compelling, and there were several other plotlines interwoven that kept me interested in the book from start to finish!
In the end, this second novel by Lee Miao was a delight just like the first. She is certainly one of the authors who has a strong grasp of what children are like, and the important lessons we all need to remember. After all, there is no finer teacher than books, as history shows (another inside joke for readers, so read on and discover what I mean) :)
April 19, 2023
'It's a RHAP, Cat' is an engaging combination of art history, middle school relationships, and family mystery. Cat is a character I loved spending time with: her energy and determination reminded me of what it felt like to be in middle school, and her unstoppable curiosity drew me into the mystery. I also appreciated that Cat’s relationships were genuine and layered: her struggles to connect with her often-absent mom will resonate with readers, as well as the cute, awkward guy-crush moments.
This clever middle grade mystery made me want to dig deeper into art history, myself. Great read.
August 27, 2023
This is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a tween - and I still do. It has that magic that makes you want to get inside of it and live along with the characters. So as soon as I finished reading it, I started reading it again, to relive the whole thing. Sure, I like the mystery and suspense of a first read, but in some ways, the second time is better - you pay closer attention to HOW it all happened. And really, the premise is irresistible. Cat looks at a portrait from the Italian Renaissance, and sees her own face staring back at her. How could a reader resist? Bravo to Lee Miao. I look forward to more of her work.
February 25, 2023
Filled with heart and humor, this is a standalone book, but also part of a series, which is absolutely riveting. Fast-paced, with mystery, adventure - and history, this will be a book enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Lee Miao has a way with words, capturing the reader’s attention from page one. I was unable to put this one down until I got to the end. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
March 3, 2023
This is a super-cute story of middle school friendship and middle school angst. A straight shot from beginning to end, with a light mysterious element that keeps the reader reading. And that's a good thing.
I don't think kids will have any problems following Cat along on her journey as she tries to figure out just exactly why her doppelganger was painted centuries before by the famous painter Raphael.
And did I mention there are crushes in abundance?
I don't think kids will have any problems following Cat along on her journey as she tries to figure out just exactly why her doppelganger was painted centuries before by the famous painter Raphael.
And did I mention there are crushes in abundance?
July 10, 2023
Lee Miao has woven a great tale about a precocious, athletic, middle-school girl obsessed with history, and how she winds up doing detective work to figure out the story behind a Raphael painting. The angst and humor of this age are well-portrayed, and I loved learning about Cat's strategies for uncovering the truth. The author melds typical middle school themes with the historical art theme so nicely that I zipped through this book!
September 15, 2024
Lee Y. Miao’s “It’s a Rhap Cat” is a fun read! I have never read a book that so perfectly captures the voice of a middle school girl. The wording is spot on, and I was instantly drawn into the school halls. Miao captures the feelings of a first crush and class anxiety and blends them wonderfully with some fun facts. This is a great read for anyone in middle school or who wants to be transported back to their school years.
March 25, 2023
It's a RHAP, Cat, the second book in the Ellie & Co. book series, is a fun quick paced read. It has characters, I think tweens can relate to and a plot chock full of crushes, sports, art, history, travel, and a dash of intrigue.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews