Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities, by Simonetta Carr, is a very informative book about the artist Michelangelo Buonarroti that is great for middle school aged kids (grades 5-8). The reading and information found in this book was quite heavy for my younger children, but it is perfect for middle school and older.

This softcover, 11" x 8.5" book, goes into a lot of details in its 144 pages. It ranges from the very beginning of his family and interests, throughout his life, to his death. Throughout the book, activities are also included for fun hands-on learning. Activities include collages, sculptures, and baking projects. Most projects require common household items or easily found (or made) specialty items. Younger children could easily be included in most of the activities, despite the written portion being geared towards older children.

Throughout the book you will also find many color images, which include some of Michelangelo’s most famous works of art. Did you know that Michelangelo disguised a piece he made as an artifact, sold it, and it was later discovered to be a fake? You will learn this and other interesting facts about Michelangelo and his life, as well as what life was like during his time period.

Michelangelo for Kids is filled with a wealth of information and would make for a very in-depth unit study of the famous artist, architect, sculptor, painter, engineer, teacher/mentor, poet, and genius. It includes more than just art, but also history, math, and science are likewise incorporated throughout the book. You will also find a Glossary, a summary of Key Figures, and a list of more Resources to Explore at the back of the book. The book retails for $18.99 at the Chicago Review Press website.

-Product review by Jen Altman, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, September, 2016