What's The Big Idea, Ben Franklin? (Paperstar) [Paperback]

Jean Fritz (Author), Margot Tomes (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 7, 1996 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Paperstar

No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found time to try out new ideas and he was also a man of many talents. He was also an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."

In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.

An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.

copyright ? 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (May 7, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698113721
• ISBN-13: 978-0698113725
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Inventions & Inventors
  • #5 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Inventions & Inventors
  • #30 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Political

More About the Author

"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humor and an anecdotal style combine to share this Am. hero., September 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? (Hardcover)

What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? By Jean Fritz. Illustrated by Margot Tomes. Coward- McCann, Inc., 1976. 47 pages.

Did you know that Ben Franklin had a hunch that a kite could act as a sail if one held it while swimming and another that ants could communicate with each other? But, as Newbery Honor Award winner and highly regarded biographer Jean Fritz points out, "A Big Idea . . . meant little to Ben Franklin unless he could put it to everyday use." Capitalizing on reader's prior knowledge while wetting young appetites with a hint of what's to come, Fritz presents a non-fictionalized Franklin. How "lucky" it was that Franklin's street had a name, states Fritz, because "people like to know where and when famous men are born." Fritz's signature humor and anecdotal style abound, respecting her audience's intelligence. She writes, "England was treating America as if it were a country of apprentices." Her humor-encrusted comparisons illuminate abstract concepts, making this book a leading contender for a read aloud to third and fourth graders or for the fifth or sixth grader who craves a challenging but accessible read. Independent young minds must distinguish truths "sacred and undeniable" by Jefferson's pen from "self evident" ones with Franklin's correction. Tomes' illustrations help the reader visualize technical wording. Frustrating, would be Franklin's flexible, fishy swimming positions without Tomes' guidance. As a special treat, Franklin's personal handwriting acts as explanatory captions adjacent to pictures of his inventions. As usual, Fritz provides a child-centered notes page that includes supplementary information and points out accounts that disagree as she presents this delightful hero of American Independence.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book to keep interest!, February 17, 2003

By 

"katieann00" (Chino, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What's The Big Idea, Ben Franklin? (Paperstar) (Paperback)

I was so impressed with the descriptive wording of this book. I'm not a normal biography reader, but this worked perfectly for my 3rd graders. It held there interest, made them laugh, and actually taught them something! A great read for all ages.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Book to Stimulate Interest in History, January 30, 2002

By 

Patrick W. O'Hara "taparaho" (Salt Point, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What's The Big Idea, Ben Franklin? (Paperstar) (Paperback)

This is a fun book that shopuld help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.