Botticelli's Apprentice: A Graphic Novel

Name: Botticelli's Apprentice: A Graphic Novel
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Ursula Murray Husted

Mar 2025 · HarperCollins

5.0

1 review

Ebook

272

Pages

Eligible

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About this ebook

This funny, empowering graphic novel from rising star Ursula Murray Husted is a gorgeously illustrated glimpse into the forgotten history of Renaissance Italy, following an ambitious young girl's quest to become an apprentice to the famous Sandro Botticelli.

Life as a chicken girl isn’t so bad, but Mella wants more. Though girls can’t be official apprentices to artists in Florence, Mella has been secretly teaching herself to paint while tending to artist Sandro Botticelli’s chickens.

When one of Botticelli’s actual apprentices discovers Mella’s work, he threatens to take full credit for it. Why does it matter who drew it if it’s good?

With the help of unexpected allies, an important patron, and a tenacious stray dog named Blue, Mella must summon all her courage, smarts, and skills to prove her worth and demand the recognition she deserves.

Ratings and reviews

5.0

1 review

Julie Ditton

March 16, 2025

This middle grade graphic novel historical fiction takes place during the Renaissance, but the story of a girl who faces gender discrimination is timeless. Girls can not be official apprentices in Florence, but Mella longs to work on paintings instead of doing chores. When a talentless apprentice take credit for her drawings, Mella must find a way to stand up for herself. The story is empowering, and the art is absolutely delightful. Husted's backgrounds literally draw you in.

About the author

Ursula Murray Husted lives in a small house with a big garden in Minneapolis with her partner, their daughter, three cats, and many, many books. She received her PhD from the University of Minnesota, MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and BFA from Marshall University. She is the author of A Cat Story and Botticelli’s Apprentice.

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