NONFICTION

The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity

by Nicholas Day (text) & illus. by Brett Helquist
Random House Studio. Sept. 2023. 288p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780593643846.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5 Up–Most readers will not know that the Mona Lisa painting was once stolen from its home at the Louvre. This nonfiction middle grade book contextualizes this historic moment with world events. The publicity that surrounded the theft only added to the painting’s fame. Readers will learn of the heist, discover new connections to other artists, and find out fascinating details and facts of the long-ago crime. Moving back and forth between the caper and the life of Leonardo da Vinci, the text takes readers around the world figuratively and literally. Day writes in a pleasant conversational style, addressing readers directly. The story moves along at a reasonable pace and includes many historical figures; the abundance of cultural references makes the story challenging, but interesting.
VERDICT An intriguing exploration of a significant yet little-known event.
Reviewed by Amy Caldera , Sep 29, 2023

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Making Science Fun and Accessible for Teens and Kids, a guest post by Jorge Cham
by Amanda MacGregor
NONFICTION

Tiny Floating Coral
by Auld, Mary
NONFICTION

Little Seasons: Autumn Leaves
by Hokkanen, Mirka
NONFICTION

The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist
by Havrelock, Deidre
NONFICTION

How Sweet the Sound
by Alexander, Kwame
NONFICTION

The One and Only Googoosh: Iran’s Beloved Superstar
by Westergaard, Azadeh
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?