"One of the many delights to be had in reading this blend of fact and fiction is the caliber of the writing... In it, the great Leonardo da Vinci finds himself brought back to life in the year 2000 upon the condition that he must 'invent or discover something that benefits all mankind.' Through interactions between Leonardo and his young present-day companions, readers are exposed to a broad range of topics... With its richly drawn characters, compelling storyline, and well-researched facts, Leonardo da Vinci Gets a Do-Over proves to be a riveting page-turner that ignites in young people a passion for learning."
— Tillywig, "Brain Child" Award Winner
"Mark Friedlander’s book is a clever read for students and teachers in a primarily middle school setting... Clever in design, the story covers all content areas of curriculum to the point at which students will be engrossed in learning and fascinated with content... The book can assist students in how to collaborate on and discuss content areas and problems... It is an easy read filled with deep opportunities for teachers to help students explore... This book is a fascinating way to introduce STEM into your classroom."
— Cassondra Zielinski, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia
"Teachers have a powerful new tool in this clever book... With non-stop action and fascinating content, students will be on the edge of their seats—making discoveries all along the way."
— Sonya Smith, Curriculum Specialist, Center for Technology Outreach, Mississippi State University
"This book is a delight! We used it to meet our science requirements without a significant realignment of sequence or reduction of teaching time... It is a rare book that offers so much opportunity for cooperation across disciplines."
— Sue Garcia, Supervision-Curriculum Specialist, Retired Educator, Spicewood, TX
"Readers are treated to an intriguing view of history, mathematics, and science as these cross-century characters meet and exchange questions and explanations that help each other span a five century-long gap in knowledge... A fascinating and well-written story!"
— Daniel J. Bisaccio, Director of Science Education, Brown University
"Friedlander has skillfully embedded academic concepts into this inventive and entertaining story... Through Leonardo’s time travel and the middle schooler’s teamwork, this book explores all disciplines. Kids will love the interweaving of fact and fiction!"
— Mary Smigel, BSED/MSED, Elementary Education/Gifted Education, Montessori Academy of Lancaster
"Friedlander has devised a carefully woven, well-crafted story... Learning opportunities abound throughout this clever and imaginative journey."
— Robert Prezant, Ph.D., Dean, College of Science and Mathematics, Montclair State Univ., Montclair, NJ
"This book skillfully combines history, science, technology, engineering and math... A fresh and exciting way to engage kids, this book is the perfect tool to inspire learning!"
— Pamela Breitberg, NBCT, Lead Science Teacher, Emiliano Zapata Academy, Chicago, IL
"An American middle school group, touring Italy, comes upon a talented Renaissance reenactor who insists he is Leonardo da Vinci... As he encounters the tools of modern life—photographs, bicycles, zippers—detailed concepts and discoveries fuel the story... sit down and savor this delightful adventure!"
— Mary Lou Blanchette Smith, Science Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, EASTCONN Educational Service Ctr, Hampton, CT
"What a delightful and unique approach to a book!... Kids will love reading and interacting with this story. Congratulations to Friedlander for his skillful blending of science, math, language arts, and history. This one’s a winner!"
— Anne Jolly, STEM Curriculum Writer and Consultant, Warrior, AL
"Leonardo da Vinci is reincarnated to the 21st century where he aspires to discover an invention to benefit mankind... This book would be an appropriate choice for guided reading or a book club with a focus on STEM topics."
— Tess Reed, LMS, Ocean Lakes Elementary, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Library Media Connection
