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The Smile

by Donna Jo Napoli



      Elisabetta, a 15 year old living in Florence, fears she will soon be betrothed to one of the city's noblemen. Although she would much rather marry for "love," she knows that will not be the case. But her life takes an interesting turn when one of her father's friends, Leonardo da Vinci,  wishes to paint Lisa's portrait. In fact, it is the artist who introduces Mona Elisabetta to Giuliano de' Medici. Heir to great wealth, the young man swears his love to the girl he fondly calls Mona Lisa.

Unfortunately, it is a dangerous time to fall in love with a member of the House of Medici. Like two other star-crossed Italian lovers, this will be a relationship characterized by intrigue and danger.

Here's another work of fiction which plays out against the backdrop of  the Renaissance with a group of famous historical figures at its center. Hopefully, after following the adventures of this young heroine, the reader will wish to learn more about the actual period and its famous personages.

The Book

Dutton Juvenille
October 16, 2008
Hardcover
0525479996 / 978-0525479994
Children's Historical Fiction: Ages 12 and up [Renaissance Florence]
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Bob Walch
Reviewed 2008
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