About the Author

Laura Malone Elliott is the author of Under a War-Torn Sky, a NCSS/CBC Notable Book in Social Studies, a Jefferson Cup Honor Book, and winner of the Borders' Original Voices Award, and its sequel, A Troubled Peace, also a NCSS/CBC Notable; Annie, Between the States, an IRA Teacher's Choice and NYPL Book for the Teen Age; Give Me Liberty; and Flying South, a Bank Street College Best Children's Book. She lives in Virginia with her family.

Reviews

An exquisitely detailed story of the passionate relationship between artist and muse, whose spirited yet gentle Renaissance heroine put me in awe of just how far women have had to come in 500 years. Beautifully painted. -- Elizabeth Wein, Michael L. Printz Honor winner and New York Times bestselling author of Code Name Verity "Elliott's novel is thoroughly researched, portraying three-dimensional characters in a lively atmosphere of love and art. Renaissance Florence breathes through this book, bringing readers to a fuller understanding of the portrait, the era, and an indomitable young woman." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Rich in historical detail... fans of historical fiction will find Italy's Renaissance fascinating." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) "Elliott meticulously researched the 15th century to bring alive the affluence, art, and clothing Florence was known for. In many ways, this intriguing novel is a feminist piece. Add this gem to round-out collections skewed toward 20th century history." -- School Library Journal "[T]he independent female narrator and the richly drawn portrait of Italian culture will attract history buffs and artists alike to this story behind da Vinci's first-known painting." -- Booklist