Benjamin Franklin: The New American

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up An excellent biography for which Meltzer has obviously done a great deal of research. He uses many primary sources to give readers a portrait of a tremendously talented and productive man. He traces Franklin's life from his birth and early years to his last years as one of our most respected statesmen. Meltzer does a good job of organizing this book in a way which shows young readers how much Franklin contributed to our country. In discussing Franklin's political career and his role in the Revolution and early years of our country, he incorporates much historical background. Meltzer is admiring of Franklin without being overly laudatory, and he shows him as a real person, pointing out many of Franklin's faults and indiscretions as well as his strengths. There are many good black-and-white reproductions, including examples of Franklin's inventions. This biography should be considered as a replacement for dated titles such as The Story of Benjamin Franklin (Grosset, 1952; o.p.) by Meadowcroft or as a complement to newer titles about Franklin and the early years of our country. Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, Mo.