1460 – 1530
Renaissance Italy was a hub of artistic, architectural, and scientific breakthroughs. During this period, brilliant figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo transformed art and science with their revolutionary ideas and masterpieces. The era saw the creation of iconic works such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling and innovations in perspective and anatomy. Renaissance Italy was a time of incredible cultural flourishing that soon spread throughout Europe.
Picture books
Pippo the Fool
Award-winning story of an architect and his design of Florence’s famous dome
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Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci
Introduction to da Vinci’s engineering designs and the modern inventions they anticipated
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Stone Giant: Michelangelo’s David and How He Came to Be
Engaging story of Michelangelo’s creation of David
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Leonardo: Beautiful Dreamer
Lavishly illustrated introduction to the scope of Leonardo’s thoughts and work
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Nicolaus Copernicus: the Earth Is a Planet
Picture biography of the ground-breaking astronomer
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Leonardo and the Flying Boy
Exciting story based on da Vinci’s flying machine design
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Chapter books
The Apprentice
Engrossing story of a young boy who dreams of being a painter
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The Second Mrs. Gioconda
Novel about da Vinci’s creation of the Mona Lisa, for middle-grade readers
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I, Juan de Pareja: The Story of a Great Painter and the Slave He Helped Become a Great Artist
Award-winning novel about a real enslaved-man-turned-painter
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Dante’s Inferno for Kids and Curious Parents
Lavishly illustrated retelling of Dante’s Inferno
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Non-fiction books
What Life Was Like at the Rebirth of Genius: Renaissance Italy, Ad 1400-1550
Overview for older readers of Renaissance life, politics, and culture
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If You Were Me and Lived in… Renaissance Italy
Accessible introduction to daily life and culture in Renaissance Italy
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Renaissance and Reformation Reference Library: Primary Sources
Collection of primary sources from the Renaissance and Reformation, with context and explanations
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Where Is the Vatican?
Introduction to the history of the Vatican, including its role in Renaissance Italy
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The Medicis: A Ruling Dynasty
Introduction to the Medici family and their roles in Renaissance Florence
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Biographies
Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?
Great introduction to da Vinci, his impact, and his context
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Who Was Michelangelo?
Great introduction to Michelangelo, his impact, and his context
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Lorenzo De Medici and the Renaissance
Exploration of Lorenzo de’ Medici and his role in Renaissance Italy, for older readers
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Leonardo da Vinci
Picture book biography of da Vinci- gorgeous introduction for young readers
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Michelangelo
Picture book biography of Michelangelo- gorgeous introduction for young readers
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Activities
Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself
Build-it-yourself projects inspired by da Vinci inventions
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Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities
Biography of Michelangelo with 21 coordinating activities
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Find Tom in Time: Michelangelo’s Italy
Like Where’s Waldo, but find Tom in Renaissance Italy scenes
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