Is this a 'real' book or a picture book?

It's a chapter book. It has about 100 pages with black-and-white illustrations on almost every spread, making it perfect for kids transitioning to longer texts.

Does it talk about the Da Vinci Code or weird conspiracy stuff?

No. This is a historical biography. It sticks to his actual life, his art, and his inventions without getting into modern fictionalized mysteries.

Is the vocabulary difficult?

Not really. The 'Who Was' series is designed for a 3rd to 4th grade reading level (ages 8-10). Challenging terms like 'Renaissance' or 'perspective' are usually explained in context.

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci? – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2005

94%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A punchy, sketch-filled look at history’s greatest multi-hyphenate, from the Mona Lisa to flying machines that (mostly) didn't fly.

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?

book

2005

94%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A punchy, sketch-filled look at history’s greatest multi-hyphenate, from the Mona Lisa to flying machines that (mostly) didn't fly.

4.7

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4.7

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Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid thinks history is just a list of dates to memorize, hand them this. It’s the opposite of a textbook. It focuses on the 'weird' and wonderful parts of Leonardo’s life—his mirror writing, his secret notebooks, and his obsession with flight—that actually hook a kid’s interest.

The 'Who Was' formula works because it treats these historical figures like real, slightly messy people. For a kid who loves building with LEGOs or drawing, this provides a historical roadmap for how those interests can turn into a pretty legendary life.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 7-12 crowd. It’s written at a 3rd-grade level but is interesting enough that even a 6th grader needing a quick history refresher won't feel insulted.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It’s a straightforward, respectful biography that emphasizes curiosity, persistence, and the value of a polymath mind. It avoids sensationalism while keeping the tone light and engaging for a younger audience.

Imaginative

Leonardo is the ultimate muse for imagination. The book highlights his sketches of flying machines, armored tanks, and anatomical studies, which encourages kids to see the world as a giant puzzle to be solved.

Safe

As a middle-grade non-fiction book, there are zero digital safety risks. The content is very safe, though it does mention the historical reality of dissecting corpses for scientific study in a clinical, age-appropriate way.

Enriching

This is a high-yield educational tool. It bridges the gap between art and science, teaching kids that you don't have to pick just one 'lane' in life.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gateway to history. The 'Who Was' series is the gold standard for making dead people interesting to 8-year-olds without being stuffy.
STEM meets Art. It shows kids that the guy who painted the most famous portrait ever was also obsessed with gears, water flow, and bird wings.
Reluctant reader friendly. Short chapters, large print, and plenty of black-and-white illustrations make it a fast, satisfying win for kids who struggle with thick novels.
Humanizes genius. It doesn't paint him as a perfect god; it mentions his tendency to leave projects unfinished, which is a great talking point about focus.

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What to Watch For

Anatomy 101. The book explains that Leonardo dissected human bodies to understand muscles. It’s handled for kids, but a very squeamish child might have follow-up questions.
Historical context. It mentions he was born 'illegitimate,' which was a major social barrier in the 1400s. You might need to give a 10-second explanation of what that meant back then.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Leonardo had such a hard time finishing his paintings?"
"If you could have a notebook to draw any invention, what would you try to design first?"
"Do you think it's better to be a master of one thing or pretty good at ten different things?"
"How did Leonardo learn about the world before the internet or modern science books existed?"

Deep Dive

The Who Was? series is essentially the 'fast food' of children's biographies—it's consistent, accessible, and kids actually want it. Roberta Edwards does a solid job here of capturing the sheer breadth of Leonardo’s brain without getting bogged down in the weeds of Italian Renaissance politics.

What makes this specific entry stand out is the subject matter. Leonardo da Vinci is the ultimate 'Screenwise' historical figure because he embodies the idea of intentional curiosity. He didn't just look at a bird; he spent years trying to figure out the mechanics of its wing. In a world where kids are often passive consumers of tech, reading about a guy who tried to reverse-engineer nature with nothing but a pen and a notebook is a healthy vibe shift.

Compare this to the Walter Isaacson biography, which is fantastic for adults but would be a paperweight for a 9-year-old. This book gives them the highlights—the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, the helicopters—and leaves them wanting to look up more on their own. It’s a great 'bridge' book for kids moving from picture books to chapter books.

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