Grades 4-8--It is appropriate that a man who loved reading and established the first subscription library in America should be the subject of such a stellar book. From printer (his favorite title) to husband and father to scientist to military general to diplomat, "Le Grand Franklin" is hereby presented in all of his wise glory as well as in his humble pride. His incredible life flies by in a flurry of accomplishment, with readers hardly noticing the years passing, or that they are learning an interesting and important part of history. The many black-and-white repro-ductions, some from the man's own hand, complement the typeface, which was used in productions from Franklin's Philadelphia press. The source notes put most series biographies to shame. With its chronologies, map, index, diverse bibliography, and helpful Web sites, this is a solid research tool. Franklin's maxims and passages from his Pennsylvania Gazette are generously spread throughout the text, and readers will develop an appreciation for who this person was in his own time and what he means to the United States in our day. Adler doesn't miss a beat in his first biography for this age level, which is perhaps the best so far of a man who, he suggests, may have been "our greatest American."-