Lives of the Artists
Harcourt Brace 2017
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- art and creativity
- individuality
- perseverance
- innovation
- eccentricity
- historical figures
- passion and dedication
- inspiration
About this book
This lively collection of short biographies spotlights famous artists—from Leonardo and Michelangelo to Van Gogh, Picasso, and Kahlo—with memorable anecdotes and vivid, humorous portraits. Kathleen Krull’s engaging voice and Kathryn Hewitt’s caricature-style illustrations make art history feel approachable and fun. Perfect for curious middle-grade readers, report writers, and budding creatives, it offers bite-size stories that reveal the people behind the masterpieces. Kids enjoy the surprising facts, quick pacing, and the peek into how great art—and great artists—came to be.
Setting: artists’ lives across history and around the world, from the Renaissance to the modern era
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lives of the Artists right for my child?
Yes — Lives of the Artists is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.3, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include art and creativity, individuality, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Lives of the Artists?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Lives of the Artists takes around 2.4h to finish. The book has 25,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Lives of the Artists have an AR quiz?
Yes — Lives of the Artists has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Lives of the Artists?
Lives of the Artists has an AR reading level of 7.3, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.