Ben Franklin and His First Kite [Paperback]

Stephen Krensky (Author), Bert Dodson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Childhood of Famous Americans

Ten-year-old Ben Franklin finds working in his father's candle shop boring -- he'd much rather be doing experiments. He can't wait to try out his latest idea. With nothing but a simple kite, can Ben get across the pond -- without swimming a single stroke?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-Krensky's text about Franklin's first experiment with a kite is well written and conveys a number of known facts about the man. Throughout the easy-to-read story, Franklin has conversations with his friends and parents, and his observations are well described. Dodson's watercolor illustrations nicely portray details of the period. The children are skillfully drawn, and the action is well expressed in the art. This is a good addition to any collection for beginning readers.
Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Stephen Krensky is the author of more than a hundred books for children, including How Santa Got His Job (an ALA Notable Book) and Big Bad Wolves at School. He and his wife, Joan, live in Lexington, Massachusetts. You can visit him on the Internet at www.stephenkrensky.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon Spotlight; Original edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689849842
• ISBN-13: 978-0689849848
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 4.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #138,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Science & Technology
  • #88 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Science & Technology

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For kids, February 17, 2003

By 

"mandimoo2" (Pomona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ben Franklin And His First Kite (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Childhood of Famous Americans (Pb)) (School & Library Binding)

I found the book very good for younger kids. It is a good introduction to Ben Franklin for those who know little about his life as a young man. Easy to read and is a level 2.

4.0 out of 5 stars Franklin experimented with kites more than once!, January 22, 2011

By 

Stephanie's Mommy Brain (Rhode Island, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ben Franklin and His First Kite (Paperback)

A level 2 "Ready-to-Read" book from the "Childhood of Famous Americans" series this book provides a glimpse of the young Ben Franklin. Even as a child Franklin invented contraptions and conducted experiments. Here we learn that young Ben wanted a way to swim across the pond faster, so he used a kite to pull him across the water. Sort of a precursor to wind sailing.


I think this book inspires children to think creatively and look for solutions to everyday problems in their lives by telling the story of a real boy and his real experiment. A fun read for energetic and inquisitive boys!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for kids, July 21, 2009

By 

Amber (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ben Franklin And His First Kite (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Childhood of Famous Americans (Pb)) (School & Library Binding)

This is a great short story that entertains & teaches the kids. You get familiar with an historical figure, learn a little physics (wind blowing kite blowing Ben across the pond) and watch ingenuity at work as a child! The kids love it because it's a real (or semi-real) story.