The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin

I enjoyed this book due to many factors, but the main one being the quotes at the bottom of the page. Students are likely to walk away from this book remembering one of them as well as the things he had accomplished. The illustrations throughout are tastefully realistic. With that being said, they may now be considered out of date to some.

I did not like this book for the fact that there is way too much going on in it. A 6 year old would not be able to sit through this. It is a very long book, as well as has quotes from Ben Franklin's writings on every page. The illustrations are very descriptive and detailed. I feel as if there is a lot going on and children would not be able to follow with the teacher.

The main idea of the story is to learn about Benjamin Franklin and how he grew up from a little boy to an older man.

Benjamin was born the tenth and youngest son of Josiah Franklin, who hoped his son, would be a tithe to God and become a preacher. These dreams were short lived, because his father could not afford a proper education for a preacher. Benjamin went to learn to be a printer in his brother’s shop. After many years of struggle, Benjamin finally opened his own shop and married. On a trip to Boston, Benjamin saw a man produce and electric spark off of a boy’s hair. Franklin was intrigued and created his own experiment with a key and a lightning bulb. He was rewarded for his dangerous and successful experiment with a degree as a doctor. Franklin tried to solve problems between Britain and the colonies to keep his beloved country together. show more Once he knew the nation would split, he became a member of the Continental Congress an edited the Declaration of Independence and took it to press. Benjamin Franklin was one of the first American diplomats, asking France for help, and closing the treaty with Britain. Benjamin died on April 17, 1790 at 84 years old.
This biography was fun to read, the pictures were great and words seemed to jump off of the page. The book was a little long for young children, but would make a great read aloud for intermediate kids. I think that children would enjoy the story about a man that they have heard about, but probably only know he invented the light bulb.
1. Children will split into groups and reenact different parts of Franklin’s life. Groups will be the lightning experiment, time in London, the Revolution, and anything else the students found interesting.
2. Students will create their own keys out of clay to remind them of what Benjamin has done those still impacts our lives today. show less

This book starts with important historical facts about Benjamin Franklin. The story showcases the events of his life. They keep the story line flowing, however they break down the different events. Such as his apprenticeship as a printer, running away, his travels all over the world, owning his own shop, Poor Richards Almanac, his exploration into electricity and the Revolutionary War. They also focused on the Declaration of Independence and how it became the important historical document it is today. The book ends with a very detailed time line with years and specific events.

This is a well written and illustrated book with a great event detail. The events are broken down and individually allowing comprehension before moving on. I show more really enjoy the timeline in the back; it helps really put the events to the date.

1. This could be used as an introduction to Benjamin Franklin. You could have the children do a fill in the blank timeline from the story.
2. This could be used as an introduction to the Declaration of Independence. They could do an essay on how they would have done the declaration differently. show less

This book supplies interesting information about Benjamin Frankilin. It would be great for elementary students who are doing research or studying influential Americans.

Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706, the son of a candle maker. He was sent to school but had to leave his education at an early age because his father could not afford it and needed Benjamin home to help with the family and business. When he was 12 years old, his father made an agreement with his brother that in return for 10 pounds and 9 years of work, his brother James would give him room and board and teach him as a printing apprentice. One thing I learned that absolutely amazed me was that Benjamin wasn't able to put his own work in the newspaper his brother owned and printed. So he assumed the writing name of Mrs. Silence DoGood and would submit letters to the paper that were published. As Benjamin grew up, he made a list of show more virtues he thought every good man should have. There were 13 virtues and his favorites to follow were industry (working hard), and frugality. When he was 24, he finally opened his own Newspaper printing called the Pennsylvania Gazette. He printed ideas like how to improve his country with paved roads, firefighters, lighted streets, and even a city hospital. In1751 he conducted his famous electricity experiment with a key tied to the end of a kite. With that discovery, he invented lightening rods, which grounded the lightening and stopped house fires during lightening strikes. Next, he went on to become on of our Founding Fathers, helping to found our notions of liberty and fortune. He was anti-slavery which I was surprised to learn. He was ahead of his time with ideas on freedom and equality. He died in 1790. show less

This book would be best suited for second through fourth grades. The book is a pictorial biography of Benjamin Franklin’s life. The texts is rather lengthy so, when read aloud, it may have to be read in small sections. Overall, I would rate the book a 4 out of 5 because the accurateness of the information.