A Brush with Napoleon — Laban Carrick Hill

An exciting story of war, love, and art from National Book Award finalist Laban Carrick Hill*Historical fiction that resonates with our own time*Appealing blend of romance and action*Award-winning authorNapoleon Crossing the Saint Bernard, one of the most famous paintings in Western art, is a piece of war propaganda—for example, Napoleon didn't ride a rearing stallion to cross the river on his campaign; he rode a donkey. Napoleon relied on the artist Jacques-Louis David to polish his public image. The truth behind the propaganda is revealed by acclaimed author Laban Carrick Hill in a compelling story of fifteen-year-old Jean, whose idealistic view of the leader comes under fire when he begins working in David's studio. As he battles with Louis, David's cowardly son, it becomes clear that their fates mirror the course of the French Empire. Blending romance, drama, and history, Napoleon's Sitter is a dynamic addition to the popular Art Encounters series.Laban Carrick Hill is the author of Casa Azul: An Encounter with Frida Kahlo, which was highly recommended by Children's Literature. His book Harlem Stomp!, a history of the Harlem Renaissance, was a 2004 National Book Award Finalist. He lives in Burlington, Vermont.