The Apprentice of Florence facts for kids

The Apprentice of Florence is an exciting adventure story for young readers. Written by Anne Dempster Kyle, this historical novel takes you back in time to the 15th century. It's set in two famous places: Florence, Italy, and the ancient city of Constantinople. The book was first published in 1933 and was recognized as a Newbery Honor book in 1934. The wonderful pictures in the book were drawn by Erick Berry.

The Apprentice of Florence: A Historical Adventure

The Apprentice of Florence is a thrilling story that mostly happens in the year 1453. This was a very important year in history because it was when the city of Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks.

What is the book about?

The main character in the book is a sixteen-year-old boy named Nemo. Nemo is an apprentice to a silk merchant in Florence. An apprentice is someone who learns a skill or trade by working for an expert. Nemo gets to go on an amazing journey with the merchant's son. Their business trip takes them all the way to Constantinople. The story follows their adventures as they travel and experience the big historical events happening around them.

Where and when does the story take place?

The story is set in the 1400s, a time known as the Italian Renaissance. This was a period of great art, learning, and discovery in Italy.

• Florence, Italy: This was a very important city during the Renaissance. It was known for its wealthy merchants, beautiful art, and skilled craftspeople, like the silk merchant Nemo works for.
• Constantinople: This ancient city was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire. It was a huge, powerful city located where Europe and Asia meet. In 1453, the city was under attack by the Ottoman Turks. The book shows what it was like to be in Constantinople during this major historical event. The city's fall was a huge moment that changed history forever.

Who wrote this book?

The author of The Apprentice of Florence is Anne Dempster Kyle. She was known for writing engaging stories for young people. The book's illustrations were created by Erick Berry, an artist who helped bring the story's characters and settings to life for readers.

What is the Newbery Honor?

The Newbery Medal is one of the most important awards for children's books in the United States. It's given each year to the author of the most outstanding book for children. A "Newbery Honor" means the book was one of the best books published that year, even if it didn't win the top medal. Getting a Newbery Honor is a big deal and shows that The Apprentice of Florence is a very special and well-loved book.