by Mark Harmon
First published 2014
David hates sitting in classrooms listening to lectures about history and science. He wants to experience these subjects firsthand rather than memorize facts from textbooks. When he discovers an ancient coin, his wish comes true in the most unexpected way. The coin's power hurls him backward through time, where he encounters Christopher Columbus during the explorer's journey to visit Leonardo da Vinci. David arrives at the Renaissance master's complex workshop, a maze of rooms filled with remarkable inventions and artistic projects. There he befriends Salai, da Vinci's playful apprentice who delights in causing trouble. Salai becomes David's guide through the workshop's many chambers, each containing different experiments and creations. David learns hands-on techniques like frog dissection and flower-based dye making, gaining insight into da Vinci's artistic methods. His adventure culminates when he participates directly in one of the great inventor's most important experiments. Through this magical journey, David discovers that real learning happens through doing rather than passive listening.
Genres: science-fiction, historical-fiction, adventure
Vibes: fast-paced, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Period: Renaissance
344 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform