A Boy Named Giotto
by Paolo Guarnieri, Bimba Landmann, Jonathan Galassi
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 1999
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- art and creativity
- mentorship and apprenticeship
- following your dreams
- talent and discovery
- perseverance
- curiosity
- self-expression
- history of art
About this book
This lyrical picture-book biography imagines the childhood of Giotto, a shepherd boy with a gift for drawing who longs to become an artist. When the famed painter Cimabue notices his talent, Giotto is introduced to the secrets of color and craft. Young readers glimpse how minerals, flowers, and eggs become paints and how mentorship can spark a dream. It’s a gentle, inspiring read for budding artists and anyone fascinated by how great art begins.
Setting: medieval Italy (rural Tuscany and Florence, 13th century)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Boy Named Giotto right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for A Boy Named Giotto. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include art and creativity, mentorship and apprenticeship, following your dreams.
How long does it take to read A Boy Named Giotto?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, A Boy Named Giotto takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Boy Named Giotto have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Boy Named Giotto has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Boy Named Giotto?
A Boy Named Giotto has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.