Becoming Ben Franklin: How a Candle-Maker's Son Helped Light the Flame of Liberty

Module 4: Book Review 2

 

Bibliography

Freedman, R. (2013). Becoming Ben Franklin: how a candle-maker's son helped light the flame of liberty. Holiday House.

• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0823423743

Plot Summary

Following the life and practices of Ben Franklin from a child and candle maker’s apprentice, to his elected position of the Pennsylvania Executive Council at age 79, Russell Freedman brings the words of reflection from Ben Franklin's personal journal or autobiography into a narrative for the reader. Touching on several notable events in his life, which led to his involvement in Colonial politics and the eventual Declaration of Independence, the book describes key events and experiences that allowed Ben Franklin to shape the future of the colonies to become the United States.

Critical Analysis

Russell Freedman’s Becoming Ben Franklin is an autobiography of Benjamin Franklin using Benjamin Franklin’s own biography as the primary source and backbone. It is easy enough to read and follow along for ages 10 or so and up. I would foresee a lot of students pulling it off the shelf unless they have an assignment. The use of Benjamin Franklin’s biography is evident in the quote usage, particularly when describing the younger years and experiences. Illustrations consisted of various pieces of art or painted portraits consistent with the events being described. Events and descriptions are organized in a manner that relates ideas instead of just presenting them chronologically. While there is a rough use of a timeline ‌chapters do show an overlap on a true timeline set up that the author included at the end of the book. Overall, it is an interesting read, but for a limited audience

Review Excerpts

★”A superb addition to Freedman’s previous volumes on the Revolutionary period.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★”Freedman . . . is a master at taking primary sources and turning them into engaging narratives that draw readers into the subject.”
—School Library Journal, starred review

★”Handsomely designed, solidly researched, and beautifully written, this is the go-to biography of Franklin for young people.”
—Booklist, starred review

Awards and Recognitions

• William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2016)

• Orbis Pictus Award (Recommended Title — 2014)

• YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction (Nominee — 2014)

• Booklist Top of the List: Best of Editors' Choice (2013)

• CCBC Choices (2014)

• The Best Children's Books of the Year (Nine to Twelve — 2014)

• Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth (2013)

• Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2014)

• NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People (2014)

• Notable Children's Book (2014)

• Teacher Favorites Award (2014)

• School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2013)

• Book Links Lasting Connections (2013)

• Book Links Lasting Connections (2010)

Connections

• Have students look up the Founding Fathers and see how he relates to the beginning of America.

• Find out other famous men who worked with Ben Franklin who are mentioned in the story.