After reading some the disappointed reviews, I had to add my two cents. This is a fabulous book...but not if you are expecting an entire story about Da Vinci's most famous painting. Rather, this is a subtle, but well-told, fictionalized story that makes Leonardo Da Vinci (and his supporting cast) come alive. The story is told from the eyes of Da Vinci's servant and apprentice, Salai (mentioned in Da Vinci's journals). Konigsburg's writing is subtle, and occasionally I think her point might be over the heads of the upper elementary students that she was trying to reach. But, the vivacity of the characters makes you feel as if you are inhabiting 15th century Italy. Her words allow you to step into the Renaissance. If you are an art lover, or just interested in Da Vinci, I would highly recommend this book. You may want to find the old version: mine has a sketch of a woman, so I was not expecting an entire book about the Mona Lisa (who is only briefly mentioned in the last chapter).

This is a delightful book, based loosely on Leonardo. A quick read, entertaining and informative. But then, Konigsburg never disappoints.

This is a book that's been on my shelf since middle school, but I've never got around to reading. When you're trying to rush and meet your Goodreads quota, however, middle grade books are ripe for the reading. Here we learn the fictionalized backstory behind the Mona Lisa, and while not a super exciting book, I enjoyed the characters nonetheless. I don't know if I would have liked it in middle school, but as a quick read for an adult, I enjoyed it just fine.

Pre Mona Lisa's smile.

Maybe 3.5? I thought for sure that the author of one of my all-time favorite books, coupled with the subject being one of my all-time favorite artists (inventors, innovative humans, etc) would have been the recipe for a 5-star rating, but it just left me unsatisfied. While I appreciated her relentless research and unique take on what could have happened, it needed more development for me to love it.

If you've ever wondered about da Vinci or the Mona Lisa, you will find this book interesting. Even if you haven't wondered it's a wonderful book.

It's slight in size and very well-written. It mostly revolves around da Vinci's apprentice, Salai, who is a character in himself.

I would like to read more by this author.

this is where I start really appreciating how her protoganists are not perfect and we're not trying to change them so they are.[return][return]esp with leonardo, it's gotta be hard not to go all "Great man" trope and make him be everything. instead we see the thin skin and a self-distancing --- and friends who love him for who he is and want him to be happy. loving people as they are is an amazing thing to see in kidlit

Even though I was reading this for school, I absolutely love this book.

You know, it's tough when you're teaching a sixth grade IMG class and you read something that makes you start to tear up and you have to pretend you're not crying. :) I loved this book. I love Konigsburg in general, but this i think is one the best and littliest known works by this great author. This tale is a wonderful story with woven strands of history about Da Vinci braided into a fictional but fascinating possible account of who the Mona Lisa really is. Highly recommend it!

I didn't love it, though I didn't hate it. I enjoyed reading Leonardo Da Vinci who is not perfect and is interested in fame, who allows himself to be taken advantage of by a young servant. This novel felt like a stream of thought and happenings rather than a novel that has a point to make - which is not a bad thing at all, but which feels kind of unique and rare. I do like her writing style, and look forward to reading more novels by her.

E. L. Konigsburg wrote one of my favorite books growing up, and I was excited to give this one a try. It's definitely a children's book, but it's the type of kid's book that reads like it's for adults too. I liked her interpretation of Leonardo, and learning about Salai was fascinating. Overall a quick, but enjoyable read.

Interesting story about the Mona Lisa in a round about way. 3.5 stars.