From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5–In 1723, when Benjamin Franklin was 17, he left his home in Boston and eventually settled in Philadelphia, a town that was a mere 50 years old when he arrived. Although there are many well-written books about the man, Ashby's clearly written narrative, peppered with exclamation points, flows smoothly and will hold the interest of children. Themes that run throughout are Franklin's love of books and literature, his intellectual curiosity, and his statesmanship. The author incorporates quotes, stories, rhymes, and pithy sayings that exemplify Franklin's work and publications as well as historical background on the period. Seven pages of facts, illustrated with black-and-white and color reproductions, conclude the text. This small-format book will appeal to children who have read brief accounts of Franklin's life and would like to know more about him.
–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. Though most books on Benjamin Franklin emphasize his later years, this well-designed, small-format biography gives equal weight to his youthful experiences and accomplishments. One of the most remarkable figures in American history, Franklin emerges here as an innovative thinker who contributed greatly to the intellectual and political life of his times. Ashby's lively narrative account clearly shows how he earned international respect not only as a scientist, writer, statesman, and wit but also as the inventor of the Franklin stove, bifocals, and the lightning rod. The book includes neither source notes for quotations nor an index, though it has a time line, bibliographies, and a lengthy appended section on Franklin in his roles as patriot, scientist, book lover, autobiographer, and family man. Unlike most of the recent biographies for middle-graders, this has no illustrations within the main body of the text, though a few appear in the front and back matter. Still, this is an attractive, readable account.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
See all Editorial Reviews
(2)
$5.99
(9)
$10.17
