The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, A Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity

Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the truth behind the headlines or shows a burgeoning interest in how fame is manufactured. This narrative nonfiction account transforms a dry historical event into a fast-paced caper that explores why we value what we value. By weaving together the 1911 heist of the Mona Lisa with the life of Leonardo da Vinci, Nicholas Day offers a masterclass in critical thinking and art history. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated yet accessible prose that treats middle-schoolers like the smart, inquisitive people they are. It is an excellent choice for kids who love mysteries but are ready to graduate to real-world puzzles involving human psychology and cultural history.