B. Franklin, Printer

From The Critics

Although the title suggests a focus on Benjamin Franklin's work as a printer, the skillful narrative describes his entire life, with facts, anecdotes and well-chosen quotations. Illustrations, diagrams, reproductions of book covers and boxed excerpts from newspapers appear frequently, lending visual interest. The endpapers picture Franklin's ideas about shipbuilding, and the back of the book jacket shows a "magic square" of numbers he devised. This biography is a fine introduction to a fascinating figure in American history.
—Kristin Kloberdanz

Children's Literature

A great man's life does not necessarily portend a great biography. Thankfully, this middle grade reader lives up to the reputation of the man, Benjamin Franklin. Over his long life, Benjamin Franklin wore many coats¾printer, inventor, writer, scientist and statesman. He was arguably as close to a true Renaissance man as this country has ever produced. After gaining fame for the wit and wisdom of his Poor Richard's Almanac, Franklin went on to make advances in science, including his work with electricity, inventing bifocals and the Franklin stove. As a leader in society, he was instrumental in organizing America's first public library, police and fire departments, and forming one of the first groups for the abolition of slavery. He was also the person most responsible for getting France's backing for the American Revolution. The author wisely uses frequent quotations from Franklin himself. Also included are many illustrations, suggested web sites, a chronology and a bibliography. And don't miss the source notes, which include information edited from the text but that the author (rightly so) felt too juicy to leave out completely. 2001, Holiday House, $19.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Christopher Moning AGES: 10 11 12 13 14 15

VOYA

Benjamin Franklin wrote in his almanac, "If you wou'd not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing," and went on to fulfill both tenets of his philosophy successfully. Adler's appealing biography of Benjamin Franklin details his diverse interests as a printer, businessperson, scientist, inventor, writer, and politician. Primary source letters and descriptions of Franklin by his peers help to create a well-rounded portrait of his importance in American history and his natural curiosity and inventiveness. The intimate details of his family life and many personal anecdotes portray a likeable, intelligent, quirky, and humble person. The chapters describing his scientific ventures offer an understandable account of the importance of his experiments with electricity, bifocals, the common cold, magnetism, and heating devices. Franklin was a respected and trusted citizen of Philadelphia and negotiated compromises on many civic issues. He aided the development of many firsts—public library, post office, paid police force, and fire department—and especially important for his vital role in the creation of the country. Adler incorporates concise historical and social details that illustrate the volatile political situation before the Revolutionary War and Franklin's many contributions. His courageous determination and dedication in establishing America's new government are well documented and noteworthy. Black-and-white engravings and paintings are attractive and interesting additions to illustrate the period. This biography is recommended highly for public and school libraries for assignments or for anyone with a personalinterest in Franklin. Index. Illus. Biblio. Source Notes. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2001, Holiday House,
— Eileen Kuhl

School Library Journal

Gr 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."-Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Benjamin Franklin was a singular man with a keen mind that ‘soared above the clouds.' " Franklin was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Treaty of Alliance with France, and the Treaty of Paris to end the revolutionary war. He was a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, and a writer. Proud of his working-class roots, Franklin humbly referred to himself as a printer, hence the title Adler (Andy Russell, Not Wanted by the Police, p. 1352, etc.) has chosen. This attractive work is packed with good information and reproductions of maps, drawings, engravings, paintings, letters, and excerpts from The Pennsylvania Gazette, all diligently attributed to their sources. Adler emphasizes Franklin's life prior to the revolution, and then does an excellent job of tracing his philosophical shift from believer in the unity of the empire to key player in the movement for independence. It was Franklin who suggested the line "We hold these truths to be self-evident" for the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, the author's writing does not equal the quality of the format and design. While Franklin's mind soars, the prose drags, reading more like a school report than the lively narrative it might have been. Still, it will be valuable to young report writers and, as a study of a popular subject, should find a wide audience. Extensive source notes are included, though curiously no references for young readers are provided. (chronologies, bibliography, Web sites, illustration credits, index) (Biography. 9+)