The Amazing Mr. Franklin: Or the Boy Who Read Everything

Publishers Weekly

A pair of biographies explore the lives of famous Americans. The Amazing Mr. Franklin: Or the Boy Who Read Everything by Ruth Ashby, illus. by Michael Montgomery, begins with Benjamin Franklin's transplant to Philadelphia at age 17. The narrative is meandering, and at times abrupt, but it covers his successes in the printing industry, the writing of his Poor Richard's Almanack and his invention of the lightning rod, among other astounding achievements. Historical notes and a list of further reading on the subject round out the volume. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

This book offers an exciting version of Benjamin Franklin's life. Ben develops a love for books and the written word at a very early age. Due to his love of knowledge, he manages to teach himself many lessons. These lessons enable Ben to become one of the most famous inventors of all time as well as a major contributor to the founding of our nation. Throughout the story, Ben must work hard to enable himself to succeed. He meets many characters along the way who are dishonest, and Ben loses out for trusting them. Throughout his journey, Ben decides that he must try to be the most perfect man he can be. Like all humans, he has his faults, but he continues to live by his own honorable values and learns many life lessons along the way. Ben eventually marries and has children with his wife, Deborah. Although he had never been trained in the sciences, his yearning for knowledge helps him to create many inventions still in use today. Ben also became an icon for America and helped in many ways to establish the current government. This biography of Mr. Franklin's life shows the ups and downs he experienced while he followed his dreams. 2004, Peachtree Publishers, Ages 9 to 12.
—Loren Adair

School Library Journal

Gr 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 2004 Reed Business Information.