The Amazing Mr. Franklin

April 1, 2004
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.

November 1, 2004
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 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2004
Gr. 3-5. Though most books on Benjamin Franklin emphasize his later years, this well-designed, small-format biography gives equal weight to his youthful experiences and accomplishments. One of the most remarkable figures in American history, Franklin emerges here as an innovative thinker who contributed greatly to the intellectual and political life of his times. Ashby's lively narrative account clearly shows how he earned international respect not only as a scientist, writer, statesman, and wit but also as the inventor of the Franklin stove, bifocals, and the lightning rod. The book includes neither source notes for quotations nor an index, though it has a time line, bibliographies, and a lengthy appended section on Franklin in his roles as patriot, scientist, book lover, autobiographer, and family man. Unlike most of the recent biographies for middle-graders, this has no illustrations within the main body of the text, though a few appear in the front and back matter. Still, this is an attractive, readable account.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2004
Ashby's biography begins in Franklin's seventeenth year, when he ran away from Boston to Philadelphia. There, hard work and a love of books led to his own print shop, a subscription library, and a leadership role as the Colonies moved toward independence. The narrative is clear, if occasionally overexcited; an afterword summarizes Franklins inventions and family information. Reading list. Bib.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)