The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin

by James Cross Giblin

Other authorsMichael Dooling (Illustrator)

Paperback, 2006

Status

Available

Call number

973.3

Genres

All Topics

Nonfiction

Collection

Peabody School Library

Publication

Scholastic Press (2006), Edition: 1st, 48 pages

Description

A biography of the eighteenth-century printer, inventor, and statesman who played an influential role in the early history of the United States.

Media reviews

Booklist

Ilene Cooper (Booklist, February 15, 2000 (Vol. 96, No. 12)) Following the format of his picture-book biographies of George Washington (1992) and Thomas Jefferson (1994), Giblin, ably aided by artist Michael Dooling, presents the life of Benjamin Franklin--and an amazing life it was. Apprenticed

to his brother as a printer, Franklin was soon running his own business and writing his own books, including the popular Poor Richard's Almanack. When Franklin became wealthy enough to retire, his life was just beginning. He indulged himself in his passion for science, worked for public improvements, such as libraries and hospitals, and, of course, became one of the nation's founding fathers as he tirelessly devoting himself to the affairs of a fledgling nation. Giblin's writing is lively, and he wisely uses the story of Franklin's estrangement from his only living son, a Royalist, to heighten dramatic tension. Dooling provides both expertly executed paintings and simple line drawings to bring Franklin's story close to today's readers. An especially useful touch is the wealth of back matter. Besides the expected time line and narrative bibliography, there is a page about Franklin's inventions, another with sayings from Poor Richard's Almanack, a list of historic sites associated with Franklin, and an informative illustrator's note. More than enough material for report writers but an intriguing offering for biography lovers as well. Category: Middle Readers. 2000, Scholastic, $17.95. Gr. 4-6, younger for reading aloud. Starred Review.

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User reviews

LibraryThing member kthomp25

Giblin does another excellent job, telling Franklin's lifestory from boyhood to old age. Interesting tidbits; he was apprenticed to an older brother, James, in the prinitng business, but they became rivals. When Ben wanted to look for a job in another printing shop, James kept other printers from

hiring him in Boston. So, Ben left town and took up residence in Philadelphia.

Ben helped his only son to secure the governorship of New Jersey, but when things got bad between Great Britian and the States and choices had to be made, they ended up on opposite sides and never did resolve their differences.

Ben spent many years in London as the representative of the States, but his wife, Deborah Read, would not board ships, and as a result they spent at least 15 years apart.

The book features a timeline, a list of Franklin's inventions, Sayings from the Poor Richard's Almanack, a list of historic sites associated with Ben, a bibliography, index, and author's notes.

Wonderful illustrations that pull the reader into the book.

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8 more

LibraryThing member elizabethholloway

This book summarizes the major events of Ben Franklin's life and career. In a short space, it manages to describe the many facets of his career, many of his accomplishments, the turmoil in the colonies as the Revolution approached and even the turbulent relationship with his son. The watercolor

illustrations are clearly geared to an older, more serious audience. There is a surprising amount of detail about the Revolution, which reveals an evolution in the colonies' frustrations until they decided to revolt. The fact that Franklin's son remained a loyalist also demonstrates this complexity. It does include enough detail from his early life so one can see the rags-to-riches story. What I found disappointing about this book is that it is utterly devoid of humor. Very funny episodes from the Autobiography are presented as dry facts. While readers will certainly come to understand many of Franklin's great accomplishments, I fear they will miss much of what made him human and accessible. This book is geared towards grades 5 to 7.

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LibraryThing member ArielDean

I did not like this book because it was very dense. Although it provided a lot of information, it seemed too wordy. I did like the sketches of different people who were important.

LibraryThing member kerry.wood

A well written biography of Benjamin Franklin for children in grades 2nd - 8th. The biography touches on all aspects of Mr. Franklin's life from birth to death, printer to inventor, negotiator to patriot, and upholding the values of the United States of America despite the fallout with his only

living son, William. A wonderful book for information as well as for research. I highly recommend this book.

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LibraryThing member Swelker

This biography starts with Franklin's birth, young adulthood, adulthood, and end with death. It hits every major accomplishment in Franklin's life. It does not leave out anything regarding Franklin. I found this book to be a lot more informational than the other book I read. It went into much more

detail. I would definitely read this to my class when learning about Benjamin Franklin in social studies.

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LibraryThing member Brettch

I enjoyed gaining more knowledge about one of our founding fathers, however the book was a little dry. I did not know that Franklin was a musician as well as an inventor and political figure. He was truly an amazing person.

LibraryThing member jraley

This book does a decent job of summarizing the life of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most important figures of early American history. It is full of pictures depicting important events in Franklin's life and describes facts I was previously unaware of, such as that he proposed the creation of the

first hospitals and universities of Pennsylvania. The story of his estrangement from his eldest son William, a Royalist at odds with his father's pro-independence stance, adds an emotional element to the biography that earns the reader's sympathy. Neither too choppy nor too wordy, the book encapsulates the political and scientific achievements (and briefly the family life) of one of America's leading founding fathers with detail and vigor.

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LibraryThing member Melissalorio

James Cross Giblin, in The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin, tells a clear, succinct version of Ben's life story.It is a good introduction for the elementary-aged child. The illustrations, mostly paintings by Michael Dooling, are beautiful and full of interesting detail.There are some interesting

additions to the text also (at the back): a list of important dates from Franklin's life; a page about his many inventions; a page of sayings from his almanack; a page of historic sites associated with him; a bibliography; and an index. One other addition was an artist's note, which was very interesting.Dooling talks about all of the research that he did in order to make the illustrations historically accurate, which lends credibility to the entire book. James Cross Giblin is also an award-winning author of many books, so that lends credibility to the book as well. I enjoyed it, and would use it in the elementary setting.

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LibraryThing member epoche

This book is a perfect choice for lessons on biographies. The author includes a variety of sources and information for the reader. The book is about Benjamin Franklin's life growing up and all the things he accomplished in history. He will always be a significant part of history and students will

learn about him for decades and decades. I would recommend this book to any students interested in his legacy, its appropriate for grades 3-5. This book would be a good to use when working on a project or paper about Benjamin Franklin.

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