Middle Grade Review: Botticelli's Apprentice

Mella wants to be more than just a chicken girl. She would love to be an apprentice, but only boys are allowed. She's been teaching herself. Her sketches are so good that an apprentice boy steals them and passes them off as his own. 

She gets mad at him, but she gets even when she is allowed to go to the market for Botticelli. She makes a good impression in the market, but the stray dog she finds ruins her work. How can Mella prove her worth to Botticelli?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. I loved the unexpected friendship between Mella and Datus. I loved how they started to help each other learn. I loved all the art moments; they were fascinating. While females were not allowed to do many things; I admired how Mella stood up for herself. The ending was wonderful. 

Cover Thoughts: Eye-catching

Source: My Library

Why I Read this Book: I love renaissance art

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collections. 

Upcoming Review: The Art of Love and Lies

 

Rosanna can reproduce a work of art that most people can not tell is fake. Her employer sells her art to people who love to show off the art in their parlor. 

When an art exhibit opens in Manchester, she's delighted to see all the works of art. It opens her to new pieces to copy. 

And she meets a man there. Martin Harrison is in charge of the security. The two meet up often and spend their time flirting and strolling through the exhibit. Mr. Harrison is unaware of Rosanna's job. 

Given his past with criminals, he has a very black and white view of the law. In his eyes, Rosanna would be a criminal. Her forgeries deceive people. 

She comes clean to him, as she shares the exhibit has been robbed. Unbeknownst to her, her forgeries are hanging in their place. 

My Thoughts: I'm a sucker for books about art and heists. This was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the flirtation between Martin and Rosanna. I loved the descriptions of the art showcased, the moments that Rosanna was creating art, and the Queen attending the exhibit. The heist was great - lots of misdirect and secrets. Reading The Art of Love and Lies is a delightful way to spend the afternoon.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Release Date: August 1

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A great romance for your collection. 

Book Lists: YA Artists

 

Yesterday, I talked about a few instructional drawing books. 

Which got me to thinking about YA books with Artist Characters.

I myself dabble in a few crafts, so I always love reading about other artists. 

Book List:

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Art Geeks and Prom Queens by Alyson Noel

A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell

Belles by Jen Calonita

All American Girl by Meg Cabot

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonia Sones

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older

Not Pictured:

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Graffiti Girl by Kelly Parra

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley 

Your Destination is on the Left by Lauren Spieller 

Are there other artist books you would recommend?