Genre 4-LS 5603 Biography by Diane Stanley

Book Review of Biography by Diane Stanley
1.Bibliography: Stanley,Diane. Michelangelo. Hong Kong: Harper Collins Publishers, 2000.
2. Plot Summary: This is the story of Michelangelo di Lodovico di Lionardo di Buonarroti Simomi, who later become known as the greatest sculptor in Italy. Michelangelo began his life as a the second son of a local magistrate, who felt that ordinary work was beneath his social status. Through working as an apprentice with an artist, Michelangelo discovered his love of sculpture and his fascination with paying attention to the details of sculpting the human body.
3. Critical Analysis: The accuracy of the story of Michelangelo is very carefully presented with attention to detail. Each facet of his life was impacted in one way or another by the religious leaders of the time, leading to his greatest triumphs, as well as his worst defeats. The author has investigated the life of Michelangelo, along with many other historical figures, such as Elizabeth I and Shakespeare. The style of the writing reveals that this author wants to share her enthusiasm for historical figures that many children are not usually interested in reading about. The design of the book is inviting and makes the reader want to discover more about this artist. Many of the important works of Michelangelo are included in the book and they are embedded into the illustrations done by the author. The inclusion of the author’s note at the beginning of the book helps to prepare the reader with a mini-lesson on the Renaissance period and the impact of this on the life and works of Michelangelo.
4. Awards won and review excerpts:
-Booklist review- “One of the most pleasing things about Stanley's books is the way her sturdy texts stand up to her strong artwork.”
- Bulletin of the Center for Children' s Books review- “Images of Michelangelo's art are photo-based and computer manipulated, and they're seamlessly integrated into the compositions...an in-depth picture of Michelangelo..."
5. Connections:
-Other books by Diane Stanley:
-Stanley, Diane. Leonardo da Vinci. ISBN-10: 0688161553
-Stanley, Diane& Vennema, Peter. Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare. ISBN-10: 0688162940
-Stanley, Diane. Joan of Arc. ISBN-10: 0064437485
-Stanley, Diane & Vennema, Peter. Cleopatra. ISBN-10: 0688154808
-Stanley, Diane & Vennema, Peter. Good Queen Bess : The Story of Elizabeth I of England. ISBN-10: 0688179614