Wednesday, October 14, 2009


Leonardo's Shadow: Or, My Astonishing Life as Leonardo da Vinci's Servant

By Christopher Grey

Published by: Atheneum


Summary: Giacomo is a young boy who can't remember his past and is now a servant to Leonardo da Vinci. He spends his days running errands, cleaning, and evading debts owed by his master. Giacomo knows his master should be working on what will be his best painting to date - The Last Supper - but for whatever reason, he just wont work on it! The Duke of Milan and the Pope are eagerly and not-so-patiently awaiting this painting. With all the mysterious events happening in Milan, Giacomo fears his master could lose his reputation and more if he does not finish.


Personal Review: Seeing one of the greatest artists/innvators of all time from the perspective of a teenage boy makes this book so fun to read! Having emotions and dialogue associated with such a great man can spark a historical biographical interest in da Vinci and his works for young adult readers. I would highly recommend this book as a way to develop an interest in art history and also as a way to learn from the lessons Giacomo encounters regarding loyalty, bravery, and learning to stand for what is right in the face of opposition.



The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, displayed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan.

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