The Human Body in Art

The Human Body in Art

Leonardo was one of several Renaissance artists who dissected human corpses. Why did they do that? To better understand the form and function of the human body, which they believed was created in the image of God. To them, the human body—inside and out—was a work of wonder.
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A Different Kind of BattleField

A Different Kind of BattleField

From World War I

In the early years of WWI, army recruiters mined soccer games and rugby matches for recruits. According to historian Adam Hochschild, soccer games “proved the single best venue for recruiters.” Arriving spectators would see recruiters wearing sandwich boards bearing the message, “Your Country Needs You.” The game would start with a patriotic speech. Players often stepped forward to enlist, and fans quickly followed their lead.

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My World

My World

From Global Citizenship

Through the “My World” Survey, people can identify which of the 17 SDGs matter most to them. At www.myworld2030.org, you can take the survey and select six SDG priority areas. You can also view results by country to see what people care about across the globe.

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Create a Paleontological Diorama

Create a Paleontological Diorama

From Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Paleontologists

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Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

From Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Programmers

Go Behind the Scenes!

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Reviews

Booklist STARRED Review
"This is a wonderfully enticing introduction to the Renaissance via the lives of five artists: Michelangelo, da Vinci, Titian, Botticelli, and Raphael. An accessible introduction offers a concise overview of just what exactly the Renaissance was, establishing social and historical context, and then five chapters explore the contributions and lasting impact of each painter. The heavily illustrated text covers basic biographical information—family background, training, relationships (including sexual orientation), even personal appearance and grooming. It also delves into artistic style: early influences, techniques, innovations, major works, public reaction, and so on. Side bars abound, from brief sketches of other artists, including women to blurbs on where masterpieces are currently located, and updates on what was going on concurrently in other parts of the world (Afghanistan, Mali, Japan, Mexico). Pages are peppered with reflective questions, topics for further exploration, and invitations to compare works of art using identified criteria. Each chapter ends with a variety of STEAM projects: make this, analyze that, check out this Khan Academy clip. There are time lines, quotes, clues to figuring out unfamiliar vocabulary terms (plus a glossary in the back), and further resources in print (books) and digital (videos, museum web sites, and QR codes). This appealing package will attract browsers and be a boon to student researchers and their teachers."

Kirkus Reviews
“Five famous artists of the Renaissance—Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian—are introduced in a format aimed at getting young readers to think. The tone is conversational and provokes curiosity over fact mastery and passive consumption. A conscientious examination of the subject that encourages critical thinking, application, and broad perspective.”

School Library Connection
“The first in a series of titles on the period, this title is broken into five quick chapters that highlight the usual suspects of the Renaissance period: Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian. Each section begins with fast facts and an engaging timeline which highlights the major lifetime achievements of each artist, and concludes with two or three history projects for teachers and students to consider.  Overall, though further reading would almost certainly be required, the chapters are engaging in content and presentation. Recommended

Detailed Book Description

Who were the artists of the Renaissance? Why do we still learn from Renaissance art?

The Renaissance Artists: With History Projects for Kids introduces readers ages 10 through 15 to the Italian Renaissance as it was experienced by five of the world’s most renowned artists: Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian. Kids learn about the biographies of these Renaissance artists through the perspective of three to four major works of art that not only defined that artist’s career but created a cultural legacy that still resonates in the world today.

Using an inquiry-based approach to learning, each chapter of The Renaissance Artists includes hands-on activities and open-ended assignments that challenge readers to think critically and creatively about the political and social forces in the time of the Renaissance and today. Fun facts, primary source illustrations, and links to online resources spark an interest in the Renaissance. Even without a time machine, learners can experience the Renaissance!

The Renaissance Artists: With History Projects for Kids is one of a set of four books in the Renaissance for Kids series. Other titles in the series are The Renaissance Inventors, The Renaissance Thinkers, and The Renaissance Explorers.

Try these STEAM projects from the world of the Renaissance!

  • Make egg tempera
  • Experiment with linear perspective
  • Draw with charcoal
Available In:
Hardcover, $22.95
9781619306868
Paperback, $14.95
9781619306882
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Maps | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 112 pages
Content Focus: Language Arts | World History

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
The World of the Renaissance Artists

Chapter 1
Sandro Botticelli Talented and Connected

Chapter 2
Leonardo da Vinci A Revolutionary Artist, Inventor, and Scientist

Chapter 3
Michelangelo Beauty and Artistic Achievement Beyond Imagination

Chapter 4
Raphael Painting the Madonna

Chapter 5
Titian The Early Appearance of Greatness

Glossary
Resources
Index