Benjamin Franklin, American Genius: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities Volume 28

So amazing the accomplishments of " BEN FRANKLIN " Inspired me to read more about our founding fathers, I just ordered the same series on AMERICAN REVOLUTION & GEORGE WASHINGTON. I Liked the book as an adult 33yo. The Activities Are A Good Way To Get Your Children Involved, However this is "Not A Quick Read For Kids" & Would Take A Few Hours To Read As An Adult. The Story of Ben's Life Was Unbiased, very Factual, Niether Conservative or Liberal. There are alot of facts about Ben In This Book That I didnt expect to be in a "Kids Book" But History isnt always pretty. The activities include making sugar rock candy, home made printing ect. This book also followed the life and accomplishments of Ben From Birth To Death. Alot of information boxes along the way filled with great information. Everything from his family life to Invention, Starting A Business, Helping Negotiate With England, Declaration of Independance, Constitution, & His later years in France. If you dont want to read a 400 page Bio on Ben & Need A Quick Summary of his Life... I highly recommend buying this book.

Just wanted to let you know Benjamin Franklin, American Genius was named A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book for 2009 and a VOYA Nonfiction Honor Book. Way to go Ben!

Reviewed by: Wayne S. Walker Who do you think was one of the greatest men of colonial and early America? Several names might come to mind, such as George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, but someone who would likely be on everyone's list is Benjamin Franklin. Of course, Franklin knew and worked with Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. In fact, Franklin reviewed Washington's Continental troops in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the beginning of the American Revolution. He was on the same committee with Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. And he served together with Adams in Paris, France, as an emissary of the new United States government, seeking help in the war. Yet in addition to being an important statesman, Franklin was also a printer, a scientist, a philosopher, and an inventor. This well-illustrated book starts with Franklin's birth into poverty in 1706 at Boston, Massachusetts, and his flight from home to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and traces his entire life, in which he achieved fame as an American renaissance man. To make his story more meaningful to youngsters in a hands-on way, there are 21 activities that relate to Franklin's life. His father was a chandler who made candles and soap, so there are soap- and candle-making exercises. Since Franklin became a printer, students can learn how to make paper and the leather apron that printers wore. While he was not a perfect man and made his share of mistakes in life, Benjamin Franklin exhibited many qualities that can well be emulated. Author Brandon Marie Miller points out that near the end of his life, Franklin wrote that he believed that God is the "Creator of the Universe. That he governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we render him is doing good to his other children." The use of original writings, illustrations, documents, and articles from the era, along with a timeline, a glossary, a list of resources for further research, and an index all help to make this book a wonderful tool for learning more about the life of this great American historical figure. Previously I had the privilege of reviewing another book in this series, Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities by Kerrie Logan Hollihan for Stories for Children Magazine. Other books in the series include Abraham Lincoln for Kids, George Washington for Kids, Franklin Delano Roosevelt for Kids, and The American Revolution for Kids.

//Benjamin Franklin, American Genius// brings Franklin and the times in which he lived to life. While rich with facts, this book entertains like a story. Franklin's ample wit and intelligence becomes readily apparent through his often-quoted words. Frequent sidebars give additional information about pertinent people, aspects of history, and Franklin's inventions and writings. Hands-on activities, such as shooting a game of marbles, dipping candles, making hasty pudding, printing an almanac cover, playing a glass harmonica and making a barometer, give the reader a sense of daily life in this period and for Franklin's inventions. The author's use of portraits and paintings further immerses the reader in the period. Finally, the book includes a timeline of Franklin's life, a glossary and a listing of additional resources for further study. In the author's hands, Benjamin Franklin comes alive on these pages. In reliving Franklin's life, the reader also witnesses the birth of a nation. I think both teachers and homeschooling parents would be hard pressed to find a book better able to encourage an abiding interest in our history. Reviewed by Annie Peters

Benjamin Franklin is brought to life in this fascinating and informative biography. The book is nonfiction, of course, but it has the feel of a good story. The author fleshes out the famous man as she tells that story and supplements our understanding of Franklin and his times with interesting sidebars and selections from his own writing. Plenty of relevant and fun activities are included, making this a good book for teachers and home-schoolers.