About the Book
The passing of great Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci--artist, anatomist, engineer, inventor--marked the end of an era. The world hasn't seen a visionary like him since. ... Until now. On a school trip to Florence, three American middle school students think they are in for a treat when a man who claims to be Leonardo da Vinci, brought back to life with a mission to better humankind, crashes their tour. Too bad he isn't really the celebrated Master of the Renaissance ... or is he? Tag along as Max, Tad, and Gina assist Leonardo on his quest while discovering the secrets of his life and teaching the Maestro about science, math, history, art, and more! Will the students be able to help Leonardo evade the mayor of Florence's selfish grasp so he can complete his quest before his time is up... again?
Leonardo da Vinci Gets A Do-Over is the first adventure in this new and exciting Innovators in Action blended fiction series.
About the Author :
Mark P. Friedlander, Jr. is an attorney in Fairfax, VA. An Air Force pilot in the Korean War, he loves studying technology, history and science. He has written extensively, for both adult and young adult audiences, on subjects ranging from Shakespeare to aviation history, contagious diseases to forensic science. He can be reached at Mark@ScienceNaturally.com.
Review :
An American middle school group, touring Italy, comes upon a talented Renaissance reenactor who insists he is Leonardo da Vinci, back from the dead. His story becomes much more believable when he produces seemingly authentic gold florins from his pouch.As he encounters the tools of modern life--photographs, bicycles, zippers--detailed concepts and discoveries fuel the story. If you want to learn about the process of invention, savor history, imagine a better future, or just enjoy a good read, sit down and savor this delightful adventure!--Mary Lou Blanchette Smith, Science Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, EASTCONN Educational Service Center, Hampton, CT
Friedlander has skillfully embedded academic concepts into this inventive and entertaining story. Through Leonardo's time travel and the middle schooler's teamwork, this book explores all disciplines. Kids will love the interweaving of fact and fiction!--Mary Smigel, BSED/MSED, Elementary Education/Gifted Education, Montessori Academy of Lancaster
Leonardo da Vinci is reincarnated to the 21st century where he aspires to discover an invention to benefit mankind. He is accompanied by three middle schoolers; the plot progresses quickly as they grow into adulthood. This book would be an appropriate choice for guided reading or a book club with a focus on STEM topics. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. 2015. 208pp. $12.95 pbk. Science, Naturally! 978-0-96780206-0. Grades 6-8--Tess Reed, LMS, Ocean Lakes Elementary, Virginia Beach, Virginia "Library Media Connection, March/April 2015 "
Teachers have a powerful new tool in this clever book. It beautifully blends one story across the entire curriculum. With non-stop action and fascinating content, students will be on the edge of their seats--making discoveries all along the way. Crossing the curriculum has never been so much fun!--Sonya Smith, Science Coordinator, ATOMS2XP (Advancing Teachers of Middle School Science) and IMPACT2 (In-depth Mathematical Practices and Content Teacher Training), Miss. State, MS
This book skillfully combines history, science, technology, engineering and math. Learning about da Vinci's creative genius 500 years ago and watching as he struggles in the present is delightful and educational. He wonders if he would be considered as smart today, challenging students to understand context and compare medieval Italy with modern day America. Afresh and exciting way to engage kids, this book is the perfect tool to inspire learning!--Pamela Breiberg, NBCT, Lead Science Teacher Emiliano Zapata Academy, Chicago, IL
What a delightful and unique approach to a book! If your school is involved in Problem Based Learning and cross-content curriculum integration, you're in for an enjoyable, skillfully-done surprise. Kids will love reading and interacting with this story. Congratulations to Friedlander for his skillful blending of science, math, language arts, and history. This one's a winner!--Anne Jolly, STEM Curriculum Writer and Consultant, Warrior, AL
As you can imagine, when Leonardo appears in Florence, Italy, in the year 2000, he has a lot of catching up to do!--Editor's Choice "Creative Play Retailer, March 2015 "
Friedlander has devised a carefully woven, well-crafted story. Readers will surely wish they could join the American middle-schoolers who befriend a hapless and ever inquisitive Leonardo da Vinci when he inexplicably shows up in modern Italy on a mysterious search for a grand invention. Learning opportunities abound throughout this clever and imaginative journey.--Robert Prezant, Ph.D., Dean, College of Science and Mathematics, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Readers are treated to an intriguing view of history, mathematics, and science as these cross-century characters meet and exchange questions and explanations that help each other span a five century-long gap in knowledge. A fascinating and well-written story!--Daniel J. Bisaccio, Director of Science Education, Brown University
This book is a delight! We used it to meet our science requirements without a significant realignment of sequence or reduction of teaching time. What makes it truly special is the range of cross-curricular opportunities found in every chapter. It is a rare book that offers so much opportunity for cooperation across disciplines.--Sue Garcia, Supervision-Curriculum Specialist, Retired Educator, Spicewood, TX
