Who Was Ben Franklin? [Paperback]

Dennis Brindell Fradin (Author), John O'Brien (Illustrator), Nancy Harrison (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Who Was...?

Ben Franklin was the scientist who, with the help of a kite, discovered that lightning is electricity. He was also a statesman, an inventor, a printer, and an author-a man of such amazingly varied talents that some people claimed he had magical powers! Full of all the details kids will want to know, the true story of Benjamin Franklin is by turns sad and funny, but always honest and awe-inspiring.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-This is an often funny, always engaging introduction to one of America's most fascinating founding fathers. Franklin is affectionately and respectfully depicted as a man of insatiable intellectual curiosity with a tireless creative and inventive mind who played indispensable roles in the War for Independence and the establishment of the U.S. government. Fradin's anecdotal presentation describes all of the important contributions and inventions the man gave to the world: a national postal system, the first public library, the first volunteer fire department, bifocals, the Franklin stove, the lightning rod, and his revolutionary experiments with electricity. His public service on behalf of the Continental Congress as a diplomat and representative, and his contributions to the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution also receive significant attention. The discussions of Franklin's childhood growing up as one of 17 children and his relationship with his son William who stayed loyal to England during the War for Independence add an interesting personal dimension. Readers are left with an impression of a man of almost unfathomable genius whose many astonishing contributions to American culture, politics, society, and science still profoundly affect us. O'Brien's black-and-white amusing cartoon illustrations are an effective complement to the lighthearted text. A fun, informative introductory biography that will inspire many readers to learn more about this fascinating man.
Edward Sullivan, White Pine School, TN
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. Few historic figures have led a life as varied and interesting as Benjamin Franklin's. From chasing a twister to helping write the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Franklin's career was anything but dry and dusty. But in an attempt to make the fascinating material readable for third-graders, Fradin has sacrificed his usual smooth writing style. Here, the sentences are choppy, abrupt, and frequently interrupted by drawings. The sequence of events wanders considerably, as well, which will make it difficult for younger students to follow along. The cover is comically enticing, and there are plenty of small, lively, black-and-white sketches, including scenes from the text and labeled diagrams of typesetting. A time line is appended, but there are no notes, bibliography, or index. This is only for libraries needing additional material. Susan Dove Lempke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (February 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448424959
• ISBN-13: 978-0448424958
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > General
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Historical
  • #5 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Historical

More About the Author

"I have the time of my life as a children's author," says Dennis Brindell Fradin, prolific author of close to one hundred and fifty books. "I try not to let a day of the year go by without working." Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he earned a creative writing degree from Northwestern University, then taught elementary school for twelve years. In 1989, the National College of Education honored him as the Educator of the Year. He is married to writer Judith Bloom Fradin, who did the photo research on this book. They live in Evanston, Illinois and have three grown children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!, May 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Who Was Ben Franklin? (Paperback)

I bought this book for my students reading about the American Colonies and Revolution. I didn't feel that I knew enough about Ben Franklin and needed to learn more. My students were facinated about him because he was an inventor and did the experiment with the key and the kite to learn about electricity. I learned so much from this book that I had never known before and the readabilty level is perfect for my students. I can't wait to share this book with them!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun!, February 1, 2007

By 

homeschool mum 2 four (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Was Ben Franklin? (Paperback)

I read this book to my kids and they were completely engaged from cover to cover. Wonderful information is packed into this entertaining book with great illustrations. This book inspired several discussions and projects in our house and we all agree it is a must have for any home library.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great subject for a children book., March 24, 2007

By 

momoftwosofar "momoftwosofar" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Was Ben Franklin? (Paperback)

Great subject for a children book. I got this series of books for my daughter and she really enjoyes reading them. Great read and educational too.