The Apprentice

by Pilar Molina Llorente

Book Overview

In Renaissance Florence, thirteen-year-old apprentice Arduino's dreams of being a painter are challenged after he discovers the extreme measures the Maestro Cosimo di Forl will take in the name of jealousy. Arduino faces a decision that could cost him his only chance to realize his life's dream.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374404321
• ISBN13: 9780374404321
• Release Date: August 1994
• Publisher: Square Fish
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.4"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Well Done Fiction for Grades 4-7

This is quite well done for the age range noted. It does start a little slowly, so have your reader persist, it really starts to grab the reader around pp 25-30. The mystery in the tower room is a great gothic touch. The young reader will be gratified that justice is done in the end and hard work is rewarded. The historical back-drop is well done and this is one of the only historical fiction works out there for children. I would love to find something for high-schoolers, or at least grades 6-10. The fantasy works and female romances that are available are not the genres I need.

An Excellent Book

The Apprentice is a wonderful and breath-taking book. Arduino wanted to be an artist and not a tailor. His father granted his wish and sent him to be an apprentice to Cosimo di Forli, a famous artist. But one night, Arduino found out a terrible crime that his master had committed and what he was hiding in his attic. Would Arduino give up his dream of being an artist and reveal the terrible secret? Read and you will find out. I am surprised that this book only has two reviews so far. It deserves many more.

Good literature for young readers

Pilar Molina Llorente is an explendid writer. She describes the atmosphere of Florence in a detailed and enthusiastic fashion that brings the story to life. The author creates credible and consistent characters. Is a very appealing story for both kids and young readers. An attractive and dynamic book.

A well-written Renaissance story.

The Apprentice is a truly wonderful, well-written book. The story is about a boy in Renaissance Italy who decides to quit his family buisness and become a painter. He goes through many ordeals and mistreatments as an apprentice, and has an unjust master. There is also a mysterious attic that the other apprentices say noises have come from, and cannot be discussed in front of the master. If you like historical fiction and books about freedom, this book is for you.