Customer Reviews

Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a whimsical book that still adheres fairly close to facts about the muti-talented Benjamin Franklin. (Frank Murphy notes on the last page that Franklin really did have a pet squirrel, something that I thought was the author's invention). The book highlights Franklin's lifelong knack for inventions and chronicles his achievements as a publisher, sciencist, writer, and patriot. The book also introduces magic squares, showing how Frankinn invented one as he sat, bored, waiting to take notes for the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly. There's a good explanation of magic squares (a nine-cell table in which 3 numbers counted vertically, horizontally, or diagonally add to the same number), and instructions on how to make your own magic square. With 48 pages and colorful, evocative pictures, this book will appeal to the young reader, historian, and scientist.

Mr. Murphy has a way of bringing history "to life" with his wonderful and witty account of Ben Franklin's tale. This book is extremely well written and will captivate an audience of any age. The younger children will enjoy the illustrations, especially Ben's pet squirrel Skugg, and older children creating their own magic squares! The fun continues well after you are finished reading the book! I am eagerly awaiting Mr. Murphy's next books!! (and "just a tip"... look for Mr. Murphy's picture at the end of the story!)

This book was great for kid's teenagers and adults. What I'm trying to say is that this book is suitable for all ages. I think elementary teachers should read this to their students. This book is great to teach kids about the past and how inventions are still used today, in different ways. I learned how Ben Franklin invented most of the instruments we use today; like the stove, bifocals, flippers and many other inventions. I encourage you to buy this book if you have young kids or not.

Scott G(...)

Frank Murphy has done an amazing job of making history fun. This is a great story, tying together a well-known figure and a classic math puzzle. On top of that, the illustrations are filled with humor. There is plenty for the eye to hunt out. From top to bottom, this is a wonderful book.

After reading the book on Lincoln's hat and Washington and his dogs, I looked forward to this book. Unfortunately, someone made the decision to make it "cool" and the language is not what I'm teaching my son. Old Ben was many things, but I think the label "super smart" would make him roll over in his grave.
Into the Goodwill bin.

what other book can make math interesting? and funny? Mr. Murphy has done it once again with his fabulous work! A++++++++++++!
-Stephanie
Connecticut

I love this book! It introduced me to magic squares. Sometimes they're hard but not always. I read the book in 3rd grade. We were doing math groups and Mrs. Wrigely said" Today we are doing Magic squares."
What is a magic square?" I asked.
"It is 9 cubes that all have to equal the same number." Mrs. Wrigely
And that's how I was introduced to magic squares. I recommend this book for kids 6 and above. I think that because some words may be a little challenging for kids that are 5 or 4.


Mitchell S. 4th grade

I would recomend this book for all readers. This book teaches you about Ben Franklin and how he invented magic squares. It also tell you about some of the other things that Ben Franklin invented. Some things are stoves, a special rocking chair, the first library, and much more. Then it explains how Ben Franklin became a clerk of the Pennsylvania Colonial assembly. For many days Ben listened to the other members argus. Then one day Bean started doodling. Ben doodled people, new inventions, and his pet squirrel. The other members were still arguing so Ben decided to do a math puzzle. The math puzzle had turned into magic squares. This is how we have magic squares today.

I came to find that this book can make history fun to learn about and that young kids should read this great book about Ben Franklin. Ben Franklin was always busy. He was a writer, a scientist, an a inventer. in this book you will learn some of Ben Frankiln's inventions. The main idea of this book is to tell you how Ben came up with magic squares. How do you think he came up with magic squares. Find out what some of Ben Franklin's inventions and how and why he came up magic squares when you read this great book Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares!!
Katie

I THINK BEN FRANKLIN AND THE MAIGIC SQUARES IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK FOR KIDS. AND MAYBE PARENTS TOO. I READ MOST OF HIS BOOKS. HE WAS MY TEACHER IN 4TH GRADE. HE IS A VERY GOOD WRITER I THINK. HE WRITES AMAZINGLY AMAZING BOOKS. HE IS A REALLY GOOD TEACHER.


RYAN .B
HOLLAND