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

Random House Studio, September 2023

288 Pages

Grades 5^th – 9^th

Lexile: 780L

ISBN- 13 - 978-0593643846

 A fast-paced tale of theft and intrigue will capture the attention of middle school readers.  This true story occurs in turn-of-the-century Paris as a guard at the Louvre Museum discovers the theft of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The adventure escalates as the search for the thief unfolds. Readers will learn how this painting became the most famous piece of art in the world and get a peek into the life of the artist.  A winner of the Sibert Medal and named “one of the best books of the year,” middle-school readers will not want to put this book down. Brett Helquist’s black and white illustration add interest and context for the reader.  

About the Author:

Nicholas Day is a journalist and has written regularly for Slate, New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Washington Post. The Mona Lisa Vanishes is his debut title for middle school readers.  

https://www.bynicholasday.com/about

 Pathways connections: Heroes, My World and Others, Social Issues and Culture

 Reviewed by Cheryl The, PhD

Professor of Education

Southwestern Adventist University

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