Leonardo Da Vinci: Renaissance Genius (Trailblazer Biographies)

Barbara O'Connor has written several popular novels for young readers, including "Me and Rupert Goody," an ALA Notable Book, and F"ame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia," She was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, and currently lives in Duxbury, Massachusetts.

Grade 5-8-Outstanding writing and design result in a compelling and accessible portrait of this master artist. O'Connor begins with Leonardo's childhood in the Italian village of Vinci, whose name was adopted by Leonardo's family, and continues through the artist's death. The book also discusses some of his famous paintings, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, and the extraordinary stories of their creation. Finally, Leonardo's work on scientific experiments and inventions is explored in detail. The organization and flow are first rate, and color reproductions of his paintings appear throughout. Thorough research is evident in both the text and in the several appendixes that include a discussion of the locations of the artwork, quotes from him, time lines, and biographies of other Italian Renaissance painters. Despite the emphasis on research, the author makes it clear that what is known about Leonardo's life is limited, sketchy, and sometimes more legend than fact. An engaging biography that will open up Leonardo's world to students.
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
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