Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

by Robert Byrd

A picture-book biography of a fascinating Founding Father

A true Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin was the first American celebrity. In pictures and text, master artist Robert Byrd documents Franklin's numerous and diverse accomplishments, from framing the Constitution to creating bifocals.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Science, Childrens, Biography Memoir

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2012

About the author

Robert Byrd has been delighting children of all ages with his whimsical, fantasy-filled children's books for over 30 years. As author and illustrator he has the rare talent to see his fanciful visions through to the minutest detail. Whether enlightening audiences to the many talents of Leonardo DaVinci or taking us into a wonderous world filled with foxes and bears in military attire, Bob, (as he's more affectionately known), is sure to spin us a tale we'll not soon forget. Bob was the 2003 winner of the prestigious Golden Kite Award for excellence in children's books for Leonardo — Beautiful Dreamer.

Robert Byrd was born in Atlantic City and studied at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art. He has illustrated sixteen books for children and has had his children's book art exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Alliance; The World Children's Book Fair in Bologna, The Society of Illustrators, New York; The Art institute of Philadelphia; The University of the Arts, Philadelphia; and Cricket, 25 Years of Stories and Art for Kids, the Art Institute of Chicago. He teaches Children's Book Illustration at The University of the Arts, and Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. He has two grown children, Rob and Jennifer, and lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey with his wife Ginger and two cats.

from http://www.robertbyrdart.com/byrd/abo...

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although some readers may be turned off by the small font size and the book's use of several columns of type to emulate the broadsides and newspapers of the early colonial period, I found them appealing. Not only do they put the subject of this lively biography in the proper context, given that he was a newspaper man, but they allow readers to have a taste of what Poor Richard's Almanack looked like. By the time the book's final page has been reached, readers will have amassed quite a few interesting facts about Ben Franklin, the Electric Ben of the title, famous for his experiments with lightning and electricity, but oh, so much more than that. The man was an inventor, a diplomat, a writer, a publisher, someone whose interest in the world around him never seemed to flag. The author/illustrator relies on Franklin's unfinished autobiography and published writings for the pithy sayings that are sprinkled throughout the book, and he describes in detail how he researched his ever-fascinating subject, taking care not to include only details known to every school child. The ink-line, watercolor, and colored ink illustrations are filled with detail, leaving readers electrified with delight over this tribute to an amazing man who left his imprint on pivotal times during this nation's birth.

[Monica Edinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since Bob is illustrating my book (love being able to write that:) I don't claim to be objective. That said, I think this is a lovely, interesting, and beautifully done book about Ben Franklin. It is well-researched, concisely and clearly written, and of course exquisitely-illustrated; I like the way Bob folds Franklin's life and work into the greater American history story going on around him. And I have to say, there can never be too many Franklin books for kids --- reading this one reminded me that the man was incredible.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of information about the life and time of Benjamin Franklin. It is defiantly a read for an older child but can be scaffold down for a younger reader. One thing that stood out to me was the pictures were incredible detailed and colorful. Just looking though this book a person would be drawn to the illustration and the story that the pictures told before the writing.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This all-around awesome biography of one of America's most notable citizens may be a picture book by strict definition, but it's extremely dense so don't be fooled into thinking it's for a particularly young audience.

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We enjoyed this book as a read-aloud with my 8-year-old and 6-year-old, as it covered not only Benjamin Franklin's incredible life, but also his contributions to the American Revolution and the founding of his country's government. It also gave some cultural context to aspects of the time, such as the printing profession, international relations, education, etc. I wish some of the writing had been aimed more at an elementary level, as it sometimes seemed to use unnecessarily "big" words and long sentences, but I think my kids picked up on the gist of it, with help.

[Lauren Anglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

1) Book summary, in your own words (3 pts)
This book is packed full of information of Ben Franklin's life leading up to his greatest invention of all time, electricity. This book really reflects a quote he once said, "If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing." This book tells his life and even gives a timeline of important events of all the wonderful things he did and also the trials he faced to get to the top.
2) Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This book is quite informative and had a lot of words so I would place it at a 5th grade level.
3) Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
This would be a great book for a history lesson about Ben Franklin. There is a timeline of events included at the end of the book, and also pictures for visual learners.
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
If a student is struggling with the concept of what he did this book with pictures might help explain the story in a way that makes more sense to the student.
5) Small group use (literaturecircles) (1 pt)
no small group use
6) Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
I like to read to my class. I would read this to my students following a lesson in history of the life and events of Benjamin franklin.
7) Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
none
8) Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available (1 pt)
none

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography


Byrd, Robert. Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012. Print. 40 p.

A biography of Benjamin Franklin for older children, this oversized volume is stylized in a way to catch the attention of reluctant readers. The bulk of the text is displayed on pages made to appear like it might in the past, on off-white, textured looking pages. The many intricate illustrations throughout give readers an added sense of the time and place in which Benjamin Franklin lived. The author gives many anecdotes of Ben's life which leads readers to grasp what the famous historical figure was really like. An additional feature is the boxes throughout the pages giving historical information on not only specifics in Ben's life, but also some of the inventions he was responsible for, events in history, as well as samples of what the man's writings and drawings looked like, all of these tidbits are accompanied by expert illustrations. This biography was created in such a way that is unlike many other juvenile biographies, and therefore will be much more likely to appeal to the intended audience.

[Ashley]

Audience: Primary (grades 4-6)

Genre: Nonfiction

Fiction Twin Text: Ben Franklin's War by Stephen Eaton Hume

Ben Franklin's War is the best fiction twin text for Electric Ben because it shows Ben Franklin on an adventure to convince Canada to join the United States against Britain in the great war for independence. Unfortunately his plan goes awry and Franklin is captured. A group of orphans, including a deaf boy named Michael Flynn, helped to hide and protect Ben Franklin from the British. This book includes many of the facts and inventions from the nonfiction text, but also brings with it a larger than life adventure with young protagonists that students will be able to relate to. This book is not as text heavy as Electric Ben, but will support the learning students develop after reading in a meaningful way.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Okay...it took me reading this all the way through before I could definitely say "5 stars," partly because there is just SO MUCH to this story...truly "the amazing life and times" of a great American "celebrity," Benjamin Franklin. I learned so much, but I was often overwhelmed. One thing I do understand better from reading this is the whole time period of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. (He is the only person to sign the three significant documents, including the Treaty of Peace with England.) There is much to see and read on each page. I liked the end page quotes and the back matter notes. WOW! again! You could teach a lot of American history with this one great picture book!

[Becky Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This informational picture book is used to describe the life of Benjamin Franklin. His early life, discoveries, and political contributions are all highlighted in this children friendly text. The illustrations are exciting, and they engage the reader into the information. I felt that the text was very heavy which may turn readers off. However, I love little unknown facts, and this book tried to emphasize those facts to the readers. One good thing about the text is it reads like a story, so readers are not bored by the generic texts that are often found in textbooks. Also, the end pages of the book are filled with quotes by Benjamin Franklin. This is a wonderful non-fiction text for young readers.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always amazes me when a subject that seems to have been done to death like Benjamin Franklin can be made fresh and exciting as it is in this quite stunning introduction to America's most interesting founding father. Byrd packs what seems like a lot of textual information into this picture biography but the narrative is consistently engaging and the information never overwhelming. His illustrations are elegant and amazingly detailed. A superb accomplishment.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY complete for a picture book biography. Don't pick this up thinking it will be a quick read. Byrd has filled the book with small print info on Franklin as well as many detailed drawings. So very interesting.

[Tiffany Erickson]

Summary:
Benjamin Franklin in the epitome of a renaissance man. He is best remembered for being knowledgeable is a multitude of areas. Throughout the course of his life, he studied and/or worked as an author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. This book outlines Franklin’s triumphs and accomplishments using bright and detailed illustrations with corresponding captions. The text is filled with interesting facts, quotes and dates.

Evaluation:
In this text, the writing is completely factual, direct and straightforward. The text outlines the life of Benjamin Franklin in chronological order. The text is long, but is organized in a chapter format with descriptive titles. Since it is long, this text is best read in stages or by selecting individual chapters. Despite the length, the concepts in the text are presented in understandable and well-defined terms. Most terms are followed with an example in an illustration or in text. The language is high-quality and academic. The bright and colorful illustrations ensure readers remain engaged. Many of the illustrations are primary documents, so readers have an opportunity to analyze relics from past eras. Captions are included for each photograph that give readers more insight. The illustrations both add and clarify the information. Finally, the book includes a timeline of Franklin’s life that allows student to better understand the era.

Teaching Idea:
This text could be used after fourth grade students learn about key individuals during the American Revolution. The teacher could provide students nonfiction text about each individual. Students could work in partners or small groups to create a presentation about one historical figure. The teacher could either assign students to specific figures, have groups draw names out of a hat, or allow students to choose. The teacher could provide a checklist for information that should be included in their presentation. The checklist could include: birth date and place, education, childhood, accomplishments etc. The teacher should also allow students to choose to mode of their presentation. Some possible presentation types could include a podcast, blog, skit, power point, movie, or poster.

[Madison Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Written and illustrated by Robert Byrd is an biography picture book about Benjamin Franklin. This book explains Franklin's life and accomplishments through texts inspired from Benjamin Franklin's own written autobiography. The author provides uniquely drawn illustrations that are representations of Benjamin Franklin and the colonial times in which he grew up in as well as including representations of his inventions, contributions, and lifestyle. The book begins by explaining who Benjamin Franklin is and then goes on to explain where Franklin was born and how his family life was. The book goes on to explain Franklin's dreams and aspirations and how he conquered many accomplishments for both himself and the United States.
Although Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin, was an honor book of the year (2013), and not a winner, we believe that due to its vibrancy, and valuable information about the fulfilling life that Benjamin Franklin had lived, this book should have been an Orbis Pictus Medal winner in the year 2013. Electric Ben is a very well-written, and well researched book, with many sources and references collected by Robert Byrd to compile this biography. Instead of including original pictures from Ben Franklin’s autobiography, Robert Byrd illustrated the drawings, and did so by basing it around the colonial times. The book is divided by the different topics and events in his life.

[AgnesO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electric Ben: The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin, a recipient of the Sibert Honor and a Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book, is a picture book biography of Benjamin Franklin written and illustrated by Robert Byrd. The book offers a vivid and comprehensive portrayal of the inventor’s life and his amazing accomplishments. The author manages to document rich details from Franklin’s life ranging from his fascination with electricity to his diplomatic role in framing the Constitution. The book is skillfully organized to include facts, quotes, and captions which are informative as well as witty. Moreover, the detailed illustrations complement the text and offer an even more striking portrayal of Franklin as well as the distinctive colonial period. As a reader, I especially appreciate Byrd’s unbiased depiction of Franklin. The author notes that this famous American was a slave owner and held prejudiced views toward Native Americans. I would recommend this book for readers in grades 4-8. I think that students will be fascinated with Byrd’s vigorous depiction of Benjamin Franklin. The book follows a chronological pattern and reveals facts about Franklin’s youth, which young readers might find especially interesting. The book can be a valuable addition when learning about Colonial America as well as the important figures in early U.S. history.

Agnes

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Electric Ben written and illustrated by Robert Bryd is the 2012 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book. This biography tells about the unique life of the Ben Franklin. It first starts out with Ben's life as a child and covers his life as a printer, inventor, and role in Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. This book is organized into different sections, which relate to his endeavors at the time. Byrd does an amazing job showing just how influential Benjamin Franklin really was. He achieves this not only through the text, but through his illustrations, which are bright and formatting differently on every page. This book also includes an interesting author's note, where Byrd explains his reasoning for writing about Franklin and the thoughts behind is beautiful images. A timeline is also included at the end, which gives readers a quick overview of Franklin's life.

While this book is aimed towards children, it is definitely text heavy, which would make it a better fit for students grades 4-7. This book would also serve as a great mentor text for a biography unit or would perfect for a read aloud, as the text flows easily and is told more like a story. After reading this book, you will feel inspired by Ben Franklin's many accomplishments.

[Brecken Joice]

Summary: This historical book written by Robert Byrd takes children through the life of Ben Franklin. Everything someone would need to know about about Ben Franklin is written in this book. From his childhood to his work at the printing press to electricity to working and be apart of the creating the Constitution.

Analysis: I loved the illustrations in this book because they seemed so life like. I loved when Ben was working on experiments with electricity and the illustrations shows Bens process. Another thing I loved about the illustrations were the descriptions underneath. I love that even though the words give readers a description of Ben's life/accomplishments the pictures give more description.

How I could use in classroom: This book would be perfect to talk about the printing press. This could also be used as a step towards chapter books. This book held a lot of words and would be a great way to move children away from picture books and towards chapter books.

[Cheryl]

Pictures much too finely detailed, captions in tiny font, impossible for my older eyes to read. Main text might have been fine, but illustrations too distracting. I'd be better off re-reading The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin or one of numerous other books by or about him. Also, his mother gets no name, no credit. Nods are made to women and African-Americans later, however. Still, though I did page through carefully, the only new-to-me info. was the bit about Silence Dogood, one of Ben's first nom de plumes (noms de plume? probably).

July 2023

[Carley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am very tempted to consider this to be a chapter book. It is very long, but has some great information about Benjamin Franklin. This children's book takes us from the early years of Ben Franklin, all the way to his role in the government and up to his death.

One interesting thing I learned in this book is that Ben was the first person to use political cartoons in America! This was a snake cut into pieces - as each piece represented each colony in the U.S.(as seen on the Knights spring sing shirt) - and it read "Join or Die".

This would be good for a fourth or fifth grade classroom while learning about the founding fathers.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Byrd shares an enjoyable and richly detailed biography of Benjamin Franklin in Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. The illustrations were done in ink-line, watercolor, and colored inks on water color paper. Each page is a delightful feast for the eyes: featuring text and illustrations that are captioned like photographs. The overall effect is mesmerizing.

Byrd, R. (2012). Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

[Jacob Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a complete biography of Benjamin Franklin. It starts at his birth and carries on to his death. Within it I found a great deal that I had never known about Ben until reading this, despite the overwhelming amount of times he got mentioned in grade school. It's not an easy or quick read so if you're looking for something for younger students this is not it. However, the illustrations are incredibly well done and fit with the time and what is presented in the book is worth it. It gives the book an interesting design and layout which is always a good thing to see.

[Abbie Gerig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Biography
Grades: 3-5

This book was hard to get through because it had many pages of information about Benjamin Franklin's life, but the illustrations made up for it. Just by the cover, you can tell how electric the illustrations are, and they take up a lot of space on the pages of the books too. The pictures along with the text makes this a good book to read if you want to learn about Benjamin Franklin.

[Emma Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Nonfiction - Sibert Award Winner
Awards: Sibert Award
Audience: 8-12 years

A. The topic of the book is the accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin.

B. The nature of the text is easy-to-read and highlights notable moments about his life in a natural way.

C. The book features lots of pull-out quotes and fun facts about Benjamin's life and his inventions.

D. This book would be great for children to talk about inventions, history, or in celebration of the founding fathers.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing my read of Sibert winners and honors. This is an illustrated elementary school biography of Benjamin Franklin. I've read a few books on Franklin. His Autobiography from my memory is really good. This book really doesn't add much. And that's a challenge with doing a book like this of a well-known figure. Then again these books need to be updated relatively frequently to feel modern. This one is fine just not awesome.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electric Ben
I very fun book about Benjamin Franklin. Like the author said, there has been tons written about Ben but what to add to his book. I really enjoyed it. Nice Pictured, and of course I did learn something more.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished it for the same week and I really enjoyed it. I loved how at first the storylines didn't seem to have anything to do with each other but slowly details were revealed to show how they are all connected.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a fantastic book for my grandson Benjamin (age 7).

[Samarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biographical Nonfiction
4th-6th grade

This book was so in depth about Benjamin Franklin's life. So much was involved and I feel as though this could be used as a good research book for a research project. I loved being able to read and learn new things about him. However the one thing that stuck out to me the most would have to be the amazing pictures that went along with the story. I loved being able to focus my attention on it and notice the little details in each. I also love how the book not only focused on his life but also what he has done for America. I feel this would be a great book to use on those who made America and gave America great things.

[Kate McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of Benjamin Franklin. Delightful to read. Beautifully Illustrated children's book, presenting a brief yet competent basic biography of Franklin's life.

[Victoria Schmidt]

Title: Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Time of Benjamin Franklin
Author: Robert Byrd
Illustrator: Robert Byrd
Genre: Robert F. Sibert Winner, biography, informational
Theme: Benjamin Franklin, electricity, government, Puritans, Boston
Opening line/sentence:
A boy about ten years old was swimming in a pond in early colonial Massachusetts.

Brief book summary: This book tells the story of Benjamin Franklins life. It focuses on his many accomplishments such as how he was a great inventor.

Professional recommendation/ review 1: Kirkus Reviews: A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers. Ben Franklin's multiple geniuses might be too large to be contained in a simple narrative, but Byrd finds a way to convey with warmth and enthusiasm an appreciation for the long and influential life that Franklin lived as printer, inventor and statesman. Byrd's sparkling marriage of text and illustration lowers the barriers to comprehending the brilliance, energy, passion and inventiveness of this early American phenom. Four generously wide columns across each opening offer a space for the straightforward, clear-voiced narrative accompanied by full-color, captioned artwork--sometimes several illustrations on a page--along with charming, brief inset quotations from Franklin's writings. The design evokes the two-columned early newspapers that Franklin might have known. Byrd's prose is respectful of his young readers and sophisticated at the same time, providing historical and cultural context for events and significant moments in Franklin's life and selecting from a very big life the stories that best convey a sense of the personality and character of the man. The artwork and distinctive design must stand as markers for readers who want to return to specific places in the text, as there are neither page numbers nor an index. However, a comprehensive timeline and bibliography will serve young scholars well, and the author's notes add to an understanding of both Franklin and the historical record about him. A work of breadth and energy, just like its subject; engaging and brimming with appeal for a wide audience.

Professional recommendation/ review 2:CLCD: Everyone knows the story of the key on the kite string but Benjamin Franklin s life was full of many stories as fascinating as that legendary tale and some even more so. Robert Byrd s colorful illustrations bring Revolutionary America to life with vivid detail and at times humor. From his humble beginning as a printer s apprentice, to his rise as the most prominent citizen of Philadelphia, to his work as a foreign diplomat and amateur scientist, Ben s life is portrayed in a way that makes it easy to understand his worldwide appeal. Throughout the book quotes and phrases from Franklin s Poor Richard s Almanac display his personality and wisdom. Though it may seem wordy for a picture book, it could definitely be of value in a classroom setting or school library for students assigned to do a biography or for teachers teaching the American Revolution. It could also be used when teaching about inventors. It should definitely find a place on the shelf.

Response to two professional reviews: As the first review states the pictures in this book are really well done but the narrative isn’t so clear as there is so much text on the page it’s really hard to focus on one part of the story. Like the second reviewer mentions I also think it should be on the shelf in the classroom. If the students needed information on Ben they wouldn’t have to search through the computer and history book but could probably find all of the information they needed from this book.

Evaluation of literary elements: The sky is often depicted in rainbow colors which might sound weird, but they are so vivid and bright that it really looks beautiful and captures your attention. As the pages are covered with text and dates I could see how this book won the Sibert medal, because it is given to books that are the most distinguished informational books. The book is written in a narrative form where it sounds like someone is describing Ben. Franklin’s life to you.

Consideration of instructional application: I wouldn’t be able to read this book to my students as it would be like reading them a textbook out loud. I would have it in the classroom if the students would ever want to use it as a reference for information or read it on their own. This would definitely have to be used for a student in grades 3-5 because of the amount of text and vocabulary.