Benjamin Franklin: Live Wire

Heroes of History # 11

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

Benjamin Franklin's life never lacked excitement and intrigue. As a printer, writer, scientist, inventor, and American statesman, this spirited Philadelphia resident continually sought to improve himself and the world he lived in. (1706-1790)

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Childrens

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2005

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable life! Printing press businessman, owned the largest newspaper in the colonies, would write his own letters to the editor and answer them to promote interest in current affairs, got Philadelphia to pave the roads, start city fire and police departments, invented a better stove to heat homes, proved lightning is electricity, invented the lightning rod to protect buildings from lightning strikes, US Postmaster, dignitary to France, and a Founding Father. He probably would have been an early President except he was too old.

[Stevie Kinzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I would rather have it said ‘He lived usefully’ than ‘He died rich.’” We all enjoyed Ben’s fascinating life.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was timely to read his biography while I am reading the Metaxas' book. I guess I never knew about his son William. What happened to his biological mother? Also, Benjamin and Debbie could never marry because her husband had disappeared somewhere and they didn't know if he was dead or alive.

I was surprised at how much time Benjamin spent away from Debbie--years. He was in London for 11 years and then France for 5 years. Yet his work as sort of an ambassador for the US (even when it was just a colony of Britain) was invaluable.

He was self educated, amazing brilliant mind. It was not just electricity but realizing it took longer going across the Atlantic in one direction because of the what we now know is gulf stream. He was one of those people who had ideas after ideas and always did new things.

He truly was invaluable to our nation. He had tried to bring peace between the King, the Parliament and the colonies but when they made those decisions the Stamp act etc, he became a patriot. Very sad that William (eldest son) was a Loyalist and Benjamin never forgave him for that.

I don't think I knew and maybe was never told about how important the French involvement was to the victory for the Americans. It is interesting to think about what I remember and maybe what was taught for example about the Boston Massacre and the French involvement. I don't think we would have won without the French.

Nor did I understand that by 1781, there were not a lot of battles up north and only New York city belonged to Britain. Battles were in the South and all were getting weary.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were totally absorbed with this story. Read aloud with the kids.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud with Daniel

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Amazed at the life he lived.

[James C Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story for young people on one of the true American heroes. I enjoyed reading this to my boys.

[Allyson Jamison]

Benjamin Franklin led such an amazing life!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Rachel L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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