Day, Nicholas. Mona Lisa Vanishes, The: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity. Brett Helquist, Illus. Random House, 09/2023. 288pp. Non-Fiction.
Trade $19.99. 978-0-593-64384-6. GRADES 4 – 8. OUTSTANDING.
The Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world…but why? Welcome to the page-turning, revealing, irreverent, and utterly fascinating story of the greatest heist of all time. But wait, was it? Day, in his first foray into middle-grade nonfiction, has written a flawless book that is packed in equal measure with entertainment, information, surprise, and insight. We learn not only about the 1911 heist, da Vinci, the Mona herself, the oddity of fame, but also why myths are more persuasive than the truth and thus, why it is crucial to be able to see the world the way daVinci did. Day addresses the reader directly—his conversational tone manages to be both friendly and assured. Helquist’s illustrations, with their wealth of detail, wry sensibility, and vintage feel are a perfect match. Back matter includes an epilogue and extensive sources. Reviewed from a digital ARC.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired