Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father and Inventor (Historical American Biographies)

Discusses the life of the multi-talented American who was a scientist and an inventor, a writer and a printer, as well as playing an influential role in early U.S. history

Gr 5-8--This admiring biography examines Franklin's life and his varied careers as printer, businessman, scientist, inventor, and elder statesman. Foster incorporates material about her subject's professional and private life, which gives readers a rounded look at Franklin and his unique personality. She also explains the importance of his inventions and public-service contributions and his continuing influence on the American spirit. Although the author provides background information as needed, she quotes only a very little of the vast body of primary-source material available either about or by Franklin, which is a significant weakness. The brief bibliography includes only one YA title. Average-quality black-and-white photos, maps, period art, and document reproductions add little to the text. Although this is an accurate and generally well-written book, it is not as complete or as interesting as Milton Meltzer's Benjamin Franklin (Watts, 1988; o.p.).

Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

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