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The Apprentice by Llorente, Pilar Molina (1994) Paperback
Working as an artist's apprentice in Renaissance Florence, thirteen-year-old Arduino makes a discovery which may cost him the chance to become a painter.
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First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 6, 2021
2021 and living in a crazy part of the country where people think angels are real but COVID is not, who think its fine to try to put immigrants and refugees in local for profit prisons, but having their kids wear masks to school during a pandemic is somehow antithetical to American freedom-- this means I'm unexpectedly homeschooling my 8th grader. For social studies, I'm modifying an AP European History course for him/ for 8th grade. The textbook is as dry as I remember high school history textbooks to be, so to try to bring history to life a bit, I'm trying to incorporate novels set in the time periods we're studying to do doing our dedicated reading time. This book is a little too young for him-- probably more appropriate for 10-12 year olds than a 13 year old (I'm a TEENAGER now, Mom!), but there aren't a wealth of fictional accounts about the Italian Renaissance that even a TEENAGER now would like, so we'll be reading some books geared toward younger kids. This was the first title we read for this purpose.
The story is about Arduino, a tailor's son, who longs to be an artist. He's 12 and growing up smack dab in the midst of the ITalian Renaissance. He longs to be a painter. His father eventually relents and arranges an apprenticeship with a local well-known artist. Arduino goes to live with his new Maestro, who is unkind, already has several other young boy apprentices, as well as a female servant who does all the cooking and caring for the old man. Arduino discovers the presence of a man, Donato, chained in the attic of his new home and learns he is a former apprentice of the Maestro himself, but when Donato displayed greater talent than the Maestro, he was banished to the attic to live as a prisoner. Arduino is left with trying to decide if staying and following his dream to become an artist from the cruel Maestro, or reaching out to his father or the police about Donato is the more moral option, and to figure out what the ramifications of each of those options would mean for his life- and Donato's.
My son's review- "3 stars. It wasn't a bad book, but the first half was SLOW. Once he found Donato, it got better. I did like the ending- it seemed satrisfying. I also was glad it was over. I was tired of the book. I guess it was a good book for showing how people lived back then- it was cool to hear about how they made the paints and how he slept on a pallet and ate gruel all the time. They don't describe that day to day stuff in the textbooks when talking about the Renaissance. And I liked that this book included how regular and poor people lived, instead of just the Medicis and stuff. I wouldn't recommend anyone read this for fun, but for history class, it wasn't bad."
I concur with the kiddo. 3 stars seems fair.
The story is about Arduino, a tailor's son, who longs to be an artist. He's 12 and growing up smack dab in the midst of the ITalian Renaissance. He longs to be a painter. His father eventually relents and arranges an apprenticeship with a local well-known artist. Arduino goes to live with his new Maestro, who is unkind, already has several other young boy apprentices, as well as a female servant who does all the cooking and caring for the old man. Arduino discovers the presence of a man, Donato, chained in the attic of his new home and learns he is a former apprentice of the Maestro himself, but when Donato displayed greater talent than the Maestro, he was banished to the attic to live as a prisoner. Arduino is left with trying to decide if staying and following his dream to become an artist from the cruel Maestro, or reaching out to his father or the police about Donato is the more moral option, and to figure out what the ramifications of each of those options would mean for his life- and Donato's.
My son's review- "3 stars. It wasn't a bad book, but the first half was SLOW. Once he found Donato, it got better. I did like the ending- it seemed satrisfying. I also was glad it was over. I was tired of the book. I guess it was a good book for showing how people lived back then- it was cool to hear about how they made the paints and how he slept on a pallet and ate gruel all the time. They don't describe that day to day stuff in the textbooks when talking about the Renaissance. And I liked that this book included how regular and poor people lived, instead of just the Medicis and stuff. I wouldn't recommend anyone read this for fun, but for history class, it wasn't bad."
I concur with the kiddo. 3 stars seems fair.
October 29, 2015
Given a challenge to read a book set in the Renaissance, I hit our school library card catalog hoping to find a few options for a quick read. I found one. One book set in the Renaissance. This book. So I read it. I'm sure it is one of those books that rarely gets checked out because the cover looks dated, and the story doesn't have dragons or vampires or a dystopian society or a clique of mean girls who get what's coming to them, and that's is a shame, because it is really a good story of a young man, the son of a respected tailor, who wants to be an artist in Florence, Italy. Arduino's apprenticeship was not all he hoped for. In the midst of it, he befriends another young man in worse circumstances. By helping his friend, Arduino's dream of learning from a skilled master is fulfilled. Fast-paced read with solid historical content.
November 7, 2018
This is a book we started for school and then misplaced for almost a year, which required going back and starting over entirely. That said, I'm glad we finally read it.
The story of Arduino, a young man who aspires to be an artist was one that really resonated with my daughter who loves to draw. What I didn't expect was the friendship that Arduino makes when he's apprenticed to an artist, and what the final outcome of this book eventually turned out to be. Fast paced and interesting, we were actually a little disappointed when this book ends.
The reason for the four stars was because this book did start slowly, and it took a couple of chapters to get into it (which was probably the reason it had gotten lost in the first place). Overall though, it's a solid read, so definitely stick with it.
The story of Arduino, a young man who aspires to be an artist was one that really resonated with my daughter who loves to draw. What I didn't expect was the friendship that Arduino makes when he's apprenticed to an artist, and what the final outcome of this book eventually turned out to be. Fast paced and interesting, we were actually a little disappointed when this book ends.
The reason for the four stars was because this book did start slowly, and it took a couple of chapters to get into it (which was probably the reason it had gotten lost in the first place). Overall though, it's a solid read, so definitely stick with it.
July 27, 2020
It's a really emotional book. It was really good!
January 29, 2022
A wonderful book with mystery and intrigue. Historic fiction that gives a glimpse into life during the Renaissance in Florence for an artist's apprentice. I read this as a read aloud with my 8 year old and this is her favorite of all the ones we have read.
November 9, 2022
We really enjoyed this book and the girls continually begged for one more chapter! It was also good to talk to my daughters about the theme of always wanting something else, something more, and thinking that others have more freedom than you do. The most content person in the book was the one with the least.
August 3, 2018
I was quite surprised at how quick a read this book was. I managed to finish it cover to cover in a day without taking too much time out of my day. It was a decent book, but not a real page turner for me.
The basic premise of the story is of a boy that wishes to break from his father's profession (a tailor) and take up as a painter. An apprenticeship is set and he's sent to a master painter's house to learn. Unfortunately the guy isn't fantastic, and Arduino doesn't have a chance to learn much working under the Maestro.
Not long into the story, Arduino sneaks off to find a secret part of the house, where he finds a man kept there that changes everything. The story from that point focuses on how this boy is going to help the man, that becomes his friend, and still manage to keep his apprenticeship.
In this case I just found I couldn't develop love for any of the characters, and I felt some details were just never further looked into. For example, the Maestro looks at Arduino's original sketch and gives what seems a wicked grin. Maybe it's just because I'm an adult looking at a children's story, but I'd almost wanted to see that go somewhere, like the Maestro attempting to pass Arduino's work off as his own, or something of the like. It just seemed to be forgotten about.
In general, for a quick read it's a decent story. It gave a little hint of what it may have been like to be a painter's apprentice and talked about things like the art of fresco, even if it was very vague. I wouldn't say it really gave a glimpse into the time period, but it wasn't a bad little read. While I don't think I'd read it again, it's definitely not a book I regret reading, or didn't really have the drive to finish through to the end.
The basic premise of the story is of a boy that wishes to break from his father's profession (a tailor) and take up as a painter. An apprenticeship is set and he's sent to a master painter's house to learn. Unfortunately the guy isn't fantastic, and Arduino doesn't have a chance to learn much working under the Maestro.
Not long into the story, Arduino sneaks off to find a secret part of the house, where he finds a man kept there that changes everything. The story from that point focuses on how this boy is going to help the man, that becomes his friend, and still manage to keep his apprenticeship.
In this case I just found I couldn't develop love for any of the characters, and I felt some details were just never further looked into. For example, the Maestro looks at Arduino's original sketch and gives what seems a wicked grin. Maybe it's just because I'm an adult looking at a children's story, but I'd almost wanted to see that go somewhere, like the Maestro attempting to pass Arduino's work off as his own, or something of the like. It just seemed to be forgotten about.
In general, for a quick read it's a decent story. It gave a little hint of what it may have been like to be a painter's apprentice and talked about things like the art of fresco, even if it was very vague. I wouldn't say it really gave a glimpse into the time period, but it wasn't a bad little read. While I don't think I'd read it again, it's definitely not a book I regret reading, or didn't really have the drive to finish through to the end.
May 25, 2011
I read this book aloud to my daughters. It won the 1994 Mildred L. Batchelder Award and is an ALA Notable Book.
We all loved the book! This is a great historical fiction book for studying the Renaissance time period and how people became artists.
Arduino, a young 13-year old boy, does not wish to become a tailor in the family business, so he leaves his home to become an apprentice for a local painter. Sadly, he is mistreated by his Master. He also discovers a secret that the Master is hiding, and Arduino must make a decision whether or not to confront him with it. If he does, he may lose his chance forever to become an artist.
Llorente's writing is so vivid that it was almost like being there in Florence, Italy.
We all loved the book! This is a great historical fiction book for studying the Renaissance time period and how people became artists.
Arduino, a young 13-year old boy, does not wish to become a tailor in the family business, so he leaves his home to become an apprentice for a local painter. Sadly, he is mistreated by his Master. He also discovers a secret that the Master is hiding, and Arduino must make a decision whether or not to confront him with it. If he does, he may lose his chance forever to become an artist.
Llorente's writing is so vivid that it was almost like being there in Florence, Italy.
June 10, 2015
I was looking for a light, enjoyable book set on the Renaissance for middle schoolers in our classical school, and this fit the bill perfectly. Set in Florence, it follows a young boy who dreams of becoming an artist (though his family business is tailoring). His father reluctantly sets up an apprenticeship with a local maestro who doesn't actually teach much art at all due to the illness he is trying to hide from his clients. That's not all he is hiding. There's an even bigger secret in Maestro's attic!
The story is an uncomplicated but pleasant read which will help young readers learn more about Renaissance society, apprenticeship, and art. It even touched on the dismal lives of women during this time period. Highly recommended!
The story is an uncomplicated but pleasant read which will help young readers learn more about Renaissance society, apprenticeship, and art. It even touched on the dismal lives of women during this time period. Highly recommended!
July 26, 2015
The Apprentice is a simple but charming story of a young boy’s dream to become a painter in Renaissance Italy. In order to achieve his dream, young Arduino must overcome challenges that test his courage, loyalty, and passion for painting. Throughout the story, the reader learns about the social customs and statuses during that time period among men and women, which make this story not only an entertaining read but also a possible book for an art history classroom. The illustrations add to the story, making it an overall delightful read.
September 23, 2015
Read this one to my daughter for school. Translated from Italian, it tells the story of young Arduino, a boy who leaves his family to become apprentice to a master painter.
These young people's historical novels don't always work - they're occasionally good on the detail but not so entertaining on the story side - but this one has it all.
Mysterious noises coming from the attic, a vicious master painter who rules with a rod of iron and enough detail to make the world of Renaissance painting (and the world of masters and apprentices) come alive.
A short read but great for ages 8-12.
These young people's historical novels don't always work - they're occasionally good on the detail but not so entertaining on the story side - but this one has it all.
Mysterious noises coming from the attic, a vicious master painter who rules with a rod of iron and enough detail to make the world of Renaissance painting (and the world of masters and apprentices) come alive.
A short read but great for ages 8-12.
November 8, 2009
My kids age 6 through 11 loved this book. They got very into it. This was a great read for kids studying the Renaissance. It helps put into perspective what it is like to be an apprentice from a kid's point of view during this time period.
This book takes place in Florence, Italy, and follows the adventures of a boy named Arduino who wants to be a painter. Fun kids read!
This book takes place in Florence, Italy, and follows the adventures of a boy named Arduino who wants to be a painter. Fun kids read!
October 14, 2011
I enjoyed this short book. It's about a young boy who goes to live with a painter as an apprentice. The painter turns out to be cruel though and has a secret in the attic. There is a wonderful lesson in this book about freedom. I can't tell more or I'll give everything away. A good book for kids ages 9 and up.
October 23, 2013
I read this book with my fourth grade class. The Apprentice takes place in Renaissance Florence . It is the story of a young boy who becomes an apprentice to a well known master artist who is hiding a terrible secret. It is full of mystery and intrigue. Will Arduino prove to be brave and do what is right or will he succumb to his desire to be an artist at all costs?
March 7, 2014
This is the fictional account of a young boy in Florence, Italy who has the dream of becoming a painter during the Renaissance. I really enjoyed the story and so did my children. You know a book is good when even the one who does not have to be listening will steal the book when I am done reading so she can read ahead. That happened with this book. A highly enjoyable, interesting book.
January 1, 2012
most of my students (those who actually read it, it didn't pull in the highly reluctant readers) enjoyed it. a little heavy handed with the moral, but it's for kids afterall so subtlety would be lost.
October 10, 2012
This was a read aloud with my twin boys. They are pretty picky about books but they both enjoyed this story about a 13 year old boy who becomes an apprentice to a painter in Renaissance Florence Italy. It gave just enough detail of the time period while still keeping up a fast paced story.
January 28, 2018
Although fiction, this book provides a lot of insight into the life and times of Florence, Italy during the renaissance. We enjoyed the story for the lesson on patience and working toward your dreams.
October 19, 2015
The apprentice is a good book. it starts of kind of slow but once it get going its fast. the storyline is exciting and at times it's like you are worried for the character. the reason i rated 4 stars instead of 5 is that it's short and at times i needed to re-read parts.
January 18, 2016
Exciting and mysterious historical fiction for children about a young boy, Arduino, who is apprenticed to a master painter in Renaissance Florence.
December 13, 2016
Renaissance intrigue, read aloud to my 8 year old.
January 8, 2025
This was such a grounded, moving, albeit short read! This is probably my first time reading a story that was set in the Renaissance time of Italy, where legends were made.
The way this story’s written is so deeply grounding, firstly because we are in Arduino’s point of view, which I think leads, secondly, to how experiencing everything and meeting all the characters through Arduino’s eyes felt real. I even found myself visualizing it in my mind like a Studio Ghibli film—and wouldn’t that be nice! Not to mention fitting for the typical Ghibli themes, too. A young boy wishing for a life beyond tailoring, dreaming of being a painter. He meets other boys like him who struggle with freedom and choice. Then he has to face the harsh reality of his maestro’s secret. Pair that with a daring mission to expose the truth, while trying to keep up with his dream of becoming a painter, then you have this well crafted tale!
There’s much to learn from here. The poison that jealousy becomes to a person, the consequences of actions borne from it. The conflict of following your dream, or staying where you’re placed by society (or, in Arduino’s case, by family). There’s also the resilience of the human spirit, not to mention the way art provides a sort of solace against the dullness of life.
I’ll never forget this conversation between Donato and Arduino:
“…I don’t believe you are a coward, even though you say so yourself.”
“I’m still shaking.”
“That doesn’t mean anything.”
It makes me think that that really is bravery, facing your fear even if it makes you tremble.
Donato says something about freedom that moved me;
‘“Freedom is inside each one of us.” […] “Think about it, Arduino. You aren’t really free, either. You have to obey the Maestro and Melania and your father. They occupy your thoughts and perhaps even keep you from living your dreams. I can’t move, but my time and thoughts are mine alone. Do you see? I’m freer than you in many ways.”
‘And he was right; I was always at the mercy of someone else.’
Lastly, I found it interesting that the story ends on this note:
“Ah, youth. What I would give to have your freedom again!”
Because we learn from other older characters in the story that even the youth aren’t given much choice on their lives, unless they’re given unshakable faith that it could change. Arduino’s brother Antonio was satisfied to be a tailor, following right in their father’s footsteps. The duke chose his position, but chose his daughter’s as well. Arduino’s father was satisfied with being a tailor and taught his boys the trade, but it was giving Arduino a chance at a painter’s life that Arduino felt any semblance of freedom at all. And then we have the case of Cosimo, who chose to simmer in his jealousy and lock the talented Donato away, and yet Donato still chose not to feel sorry for himself, and remained faithful that staying in that attic forever was not his fate.
I find it a little ironic that the story ends with this quote, but it’s also quite fitting. The only thing that stops us from being free is the illusion of chains which hold us back; like our past, our fears, our family. Sometimes the reason we believe we have no choice is what keeps us away from true freedom. It’s chance that opens up those doors, and it’s up to you to step through it.
The way this story’s written is so deeply grounding, firstly because we are in Arduino’s point of view, which I think leads, secondly, to how experiencing everything and meeting all the characters through Arduino’s eyes felt real. I even found myself visualizing it in my mind like a Studio Ghibli film—and wouldn’t that be nice! Not to mention fitting for the typical Ghibli themes, too. A young boy wishing for a life beyond tailoring, dreaming of being a painter. He meets other boys like him who struggle with freedom and choice. Then he has to face the harsh reality of his maestro’s secret. Pair that with a daring mission to expose the truth, while trying to keep up with his dream of becoming a painter, then you have this well crafted tale!
There’s much to learn from here. The poison that jealousy becomes to a person, the consequences of actions borne from it. The conflict of following your dream, or staying where you’re placed by society (or, in Arduino’s case, by family). There’s also the resilience of the human spirit, not to mention the way art provides a sort of solace against the dullness of life.
I’ll never forget this conversation between Donato and Arduino:
“…I don’t believe you are a coward, even though you say so yourself.”
“I’m still shaking.”
“That doesn’t mean anything.”
It makes me think that that really is bravery, facing your fear even if it makes you tremble.
Donato says something about freedom that moved me;
‘“Freedom is inside each one of us.” […] “Think about it, Arduino. You aren’t really free, either. You have to obey the Maestro and Melania and your father. They occupy your thoughts and perhaps even keep you from living your dreams. I can’t move, but my time and thoughts are mine alone. Do you see? I’m freer than you in many ways.”
‘And he was right; I was always at the mercy of someone else.’
Lastly, I found it interesting that the story ends on this note:
“Ah, youth. What I would give to have your freedom again!”
Because we learn from other older characters in the story that even the youth aren’t given much choice on their lives, unless they’re given unshakable faith that it could change. Arduino’s brother Antonio was satisfied to be a tailor, following right in their father’s footsteps. The duke chose his position, but chose his daughter’s as well. Arduino’s father was satisfied with being a tailor and taught his boys the trade, but it was giving Arduino a chance at a painter’s life that Arduino felt any semblance of freedom at all. And then we have the case of Cosimo, who chose to simmer in his jealousy and lock the talented Donato away, and yet Donato still chose not to feel sorry for himself, and remained faithful that staying in that attic forever was not his fate.
I find it a little ironic that the story ends with this quote, but it’s also quite fitting. The only thing that stops us from being free is the illusion of chains which hold us back; like our past, our fears, our family. Sometimes the reason we believe we have no choice is what keeps us away from true freedom. It’s chance that opens up those doors, and it’s up to you to step through it.
August 21, 2020
Arduino’s dream is finally within reach.
Arduino comes from a family of very successful tailors. While Arduino’s father and brothers enjoy their work, Arduino dreams of taking a different path. He dreams of becoming a painter. Arduino comes from a happy home, and I love seeing healthy families represented in children and young adult books. Consequently, Arduino isn’t pursuing a dream of becoming an artist as a way to escape from home. He’s doing it because it is his passion. Despite his reluctance to disappoint his father, Arduino’s restlessness radiates off the pages. Arduino knows that becoming a painter will not be easy, but his heart is set on it. Even though his father disapproves, he arranges an apprenticeship for Arduino with Cosimo di Forli. Unfortunately, the apprenticeship is nothing like Arduino imagined.
I felt so sorry for Arduino. Cosimo is always in a foul mood and doesn’t teach Arduino anything. Instead, Arduino’s time is consumed with doing menial tasks and chores. As if that weren’t bad enough, the food is terrible, and there isn’t even room for Arduino in the bedroom with the other apprentices. I admire Arduino for putting up with it all. He has a good heart and is truly dedicated to his dream of becoming a painter. Everything changes when Arduino discovers Cosimo has a terrible secret. Arduino has a tough decision to make. Will he reveal what Cosimo has done even if it means the end of his apprenticeship, or can he find a way to do what is right and hold on to his dream?
The Apprentice is an intriguing and fast paced story. As I read with my children, they were so wrapped up in Arduino’s story that at the end of each chapter they would beg me to read more! In addition to being an engaging story, Ms. Llorente provides historical information concerning life and social customs during the Renaissance, life as an apprentice, and even a bit on the differences in the situations of men and women. All of this information is smoothly incorporated into the story so it doesn’t feel forced or slow the pacing of the story.
I enjoyed reading The Apprentice. Arduino’s story is captivating, and the ending is absolutely wonderful! Fans of children’s historical fiction would do well to give this story a try.
Arduino comes from a family of very successful tailors. While Arduino’s father and brothers enjoy their work, Arduino dreams of taking a different path. He dreams of becoming a painter. Arduino comes from a happy home, and I love seeing healthy families represented in children and young adult books. Consequently, Arduino isn’t pursuing a dream of becoming an artist as a way to escape from home. He’s doing it because it is his passion. Despite his reluctance to disappoint his father, Arduino’s restlessness radiates off the pages. Arduino knows that becoming a painter will not be easy, but his heart is set on it. Even though his father disapproves, he arranges an apprenticeship for Arduino with Cosimo di Forli. Unfortunately, the apprenticeship is nothing like Arduino imagined.
I felt so sorry for Arduino. Cosimo is always in a foul mood and doesn’t teach Arduino anything. Instead, Arduino’s time is consumed with doing menial tasks and chores. As if that weren’t bad enough, the food is terrible, and there isn’t even room for Arduino in the bedroom with the other apprentices. I admire Arduino for putting up with it all. He has a good heart and is truly dedicated to his dream of becoming a painter. Everything changes when Arduino discovers Cosimo has a terrible secret. Arduino has a tough decision to make. Will he reveal what Cosimo has done even if it means the end of his apprenticeship, or can he find a way to do what is right and hold on to his dream?
The Apprentice is an intriguing and fast paced story. As I read with my children, they were so wrapped up in Arduino’s story that at the end of each chapter they would beg me to read more! In addition to being an engaging story, Ms. Llorente provides historical information concerning life and social customs during the Renaissance, life as an apprentice, and even a bit on the differences in the situations of men and women. All of this information is smoothly incorporated into the story so it doesn’t feel forced or slow the pacing of the story.
I enjoyed reading The Apprentice. Arduino’s story is captivating, and the ending is absolutely wonderful! Fans of children’s historical fiction would do well to give this story a try.
May 12, 2022
In this brief middle grade novel, young Arduino is overjoyed when his father arranges his apprenticeship to a well-known painter in their town of Florence. Arduino’s dream of becoming an artist is finally within reach. However, the boy soon finds that his master is not terribly interested in teaching him. Worse, the man is hiding a terrible secret in the attic*.
It would be interesting to ask a group of kids what the message of this story is. For Arduino, being able to paint is the only thing that provides life with meaning. Furthermore, two different female characters make the point that Arduino is far more lucky than they are, because he was born male and has at least some chance of “following his own dream” by choosing a career.
Yet Renaissance Italy was hardly a bastion of individuality–very few people, male or female, expected or were able to direct their own lives with the independence we modern folk consider indispensable. Is this really a comment a Renaissance girl would have made? Would a career really be where she thought she could best find personal fulfillment and meaning? Furthermore, does the author intend to suggest that our work is how we should define ourselves? Or does the author simply believe that artists are “special” in being uniquely driven to pursue their craft?
3.5 stars.
*And by “terrible secret in the attic,” I do NOT mean a mad wife.
It would be interesting to ask a group of kids what the message of this story is. For Arduino, being able to paint is the only thing that provides life with meaning. Furthermore, two different female characters make the point that Arduino is far more lucky than they are, because he was born male and has at least some chance of “following his own dream” by choosing a career.
Yet Renaissance Italy was hardly a bastion of individuality–very few people, male or female, expected or were able to direct their own lives with the independence we modern folk consider indispensable. Is this really a comment a Renaissance girl would have made? Would a career really be where she thought she could best find personal fulfillment and meaning? Furthermore, does the author intend to suggest that our work is how we should define ourselves? Or does the author simply believe that artists are “special” in being uniquely driven to pursue their craft?
3.5 stars.
*And by “terrible secret in the attic,” I do NOT mean a mad wife.
January 31, 2023
I read this book with my 9 year old daughter and it was very enjoyable! It was a nice snapshot into what it was like to be an apprentice to a famous artist in history. She really liked this one a lot and thought it was fun to follow Arduino's life as he started his apprenticeship and all the hardships that he had to face. I think it was eye opening to her that people couldn't always choose exactly what they wanted to do for a career and that women didn't get to choose any careers at all in this point in history. A great lesson for sure! I thought this book was pretty easy to read and follow. My 9 year old was able to understand it and answer questions about it.
This book does contain abuse (verbal abuse, imprisonment, starvation, hard living conditions, etc...). My daughter didn't seem to be bothered by it, but it may be troublesome for children who are more sensitive.
This book does contain abuse (verbal abuse, imprisonment, starvation, hard living conditions, etc...). My daughter didn't seem to be bothered by it, but it may be troublesome for children who are more sensitive.
June 11, 2020
I am going to be honest, when I started this book I thought it was going to be rather boring. I am happy to say I was wrong. This book was great for introducing children to the lifestyle, culture and artistic styles during the renaissance period. The story follows a boy who wants to break from the family tradition of tailoring to become an artist. Far from being a dull book purely about art it contains action, mystery and suspense. I recommend this book :)
February 4, 2022
While this book contains nothing particularly new for long-time readers, I found it introduced to my girls some of the classic tropes that make Harry Potter so appealing: a new arena in which the hero makes allies and enemies, a secret hidden in the building, and all the wild hopes and hateful injustices that are involved in such a "boarding school" setting. I chafed a bit at the mild "follow your dreams" motif throughout the book.
June 17, 2019
I think this was a great addition to our history for level 2 (but I wouldn't have picked it to read for fun) so I'm giving it 4 stars. It was interesting to follow the boy on his journey as an apprentice and get a glimpse into what life may have been like. My daughter (7.5y) was interested through the whole story and stopped for discussion a few times which I thought was great.
November 26, 2020
During the Renaissance in Florence, Italy a boy faces challenges and obstacles along his way to becoming a painter.
Classroom library 3rd through 6th grade. Good book for understanding a bit more about apprenticeships during the Renaissance in Italy. Definitely told from a more privileged, white perspective.
Classroom library 3rd through 6th grade. Good book for understanding a bit more about apprenticeships during the Renaissance in Italy. Definitely told from a more privileged, white perspective.
June 3, 2022
A story set in the Renaissance - a tailor's son wants to become an artist, so his father arranged to apprentice him to a master. The master is old, his health is failing and with it his talent, and he takes credit for the work of his apprentices . . . and he is jealous of his skills and envious of his apprentices' talents. And he may be keeping a secret locked away . . .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews