B. Franklin Printer

B. Franklin Printer. By David A. Adler. Holiday House, 2001. 128 pages. Tr. $24.95 ISBN 978-0823416752

Summary: Adler chronicles the life of Benjamin Franklin. Though Franklin wore a number of career-related hats (i.e., scientist, inventor, philosopher, politician, author, and publisher), he primarily identified with the latter category. Franklin’s philanthropic contributions, namely the founding of the first public library in the U.S., are additionally chronicled, as well as his changing political attitudes. Originally Franklin deeply respected the British Monarchy, and desired to become a part of the British gentry. However, British policies towards the Colonists in the Stamp and other Acts encouraged Franklin to change his stance. He soon became a vocal opponent to British policies, vitally contributing to the success of the American Revolution.

Critical Review: Tweens interested in eighteenth-century and Revolutionary histories will covet this biography. Benjamin Franklin’s worldview easily comes to life through archival prints and maps, and primary documents. Chronologically organized, the biography seeks to understand Franklin’s rationale for joining the Revolutionary War, and to reconcile disparity between eighteenth century versus current perceptions of Franklin as the most beloved and criticized of the founding fathers. Adler presents Franklin’s early rise from an apprentice printer to a gentleman, factors that contributed to his identity as a British Imperialist and American patriot, and his role as a French diplomat during the Revolutionary War.  

Genre: Biography

Reading/Interest Level: 9-12 years

Awards: NCTE Orbis Pictus Award (Nominated for an Award) 2002

Reviews: Voice of Youth Advocates (2002, April 1); School Library Journal (2002, February 1); Booklist (2002, January 1); Kirkus Reviews (December 1, 2001)

Subjects/Themes: Benjamin Franklin biography, publishing, eighteenth-century British Colonies and England, politics, Seven Year War, Revolutionary War, Declaration of Independence, inventors, scientists

California Standards: 5.5

Students explain the causes of the American Revolution.

1.      Understand how political, religious, and economic ideas and interests brought about the Revolution (e.g., resistance to imperial policy, the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, taxes on tea, Coercive Acts).

2.      Know the significance of the first and second Continental Congresses and of the Committees of Correspondence.

3.      Understand the people and events associated with the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the document’s significance, including the key political concepts it embodies, the origins of those concepts, and its role in severing ties with Great Britain.

4.         Describe the views, lives, and impact of key individuals during this period (e.g., King George III, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams).

Author Website: http://www.davidaadler.com/

Brief Annotation: A persuasive, engaging biography on Benjamin Franklin, along with broader eighteenth-century issues will delight tween historical aficionados.