To the Future, Ben Franklin!

Magic Tree House #32

by Mary Pope Osborne, A.G. Ford (Illustrator)

Get whisked away through time in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie in the #1 bestselling series--and meet famous Founding Father and inventor Ben Franklin!

Jack and Annie know all about Ben Franklin. He was a Founding Father, a journalist, and a famous inventor! When the magic tree house whisks them back to meet the man himself, they're not sure what their mission is. But Ben Franklin has a mission of his own. Intrigued by Jack and Annie, he's curious to learn more about where they came from. And very curious about their tree house. . . .

Track the facts with Jack and Annie in the nonfiction companion to this book: Benjamin Franklin.

Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid?
Magic Tree House: Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures

If you're looking for Merlin Mission #32: Winter of the Ice Wizard, it was renumbered as part of the rebrand in 2017 as Merlin Mission #4.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Adventure

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Mary Pope Osborne is an American author of children's books and audiobook narrator. She is best known as the author of the Magic Tree House series, which as of 2017 sold more than 134 million copies worldwide. Both the series and Osborne have won awards, including for Osborne's charitable efforts at promoting children's literacy. One of four children, Osborne moved around in her childhood before attending the University of North Carolina. Following college, Osborne traveled before moving to New York City. She somewhat spontaneously began to write, and her first book was published in 1982. She went on to write a variety of other children's and young adult books before starting the Magic Tree House series in 1992. Osborne's sister Natalie Pope Boyce has written several compendium books to the Magic Tree House series, sometimes with Osborne's husband Will Osborne.

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join Jack and Annie as they meet one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. The adventure is filled with fun facts about Franklin's inventions and contributions to society. The mix of humor and history makes it a delightful read. Children interested in science and American history will love this book, as it brings a historical figure to life in an engaging way. - Teen Volunteer Adhyyan R.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read...Love Dr. Ben

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read with the kids

[Assortedtrashprincess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best historical figure use award

[Mystic DreamClouds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack and Annie travel back in time to Old Philadelphia to meet Benjamin (Ben) Franklin. According to Morgan’s poem they have to help Ben make up his mind and sign the constitution! Ben is in the middle of helping to write the constitution but he’s conflicted on signing it since no one can agree to all of the terms.

This installment felt different from the rest. It started off great but then there was an information dump regarding Ben Franklin’s achievements and he told them a “secret”. After that, I felt that it was a bit rushed with Jack and Annie taking Ben to the future, year 2019 and seeing multiple things of advancement consecutively. I also found it hard to believe that everyone was so positive and nice. I’m not looking for Jack and Annie to get into trouble, but I think I’m looking for some realism or difficulties for the siblings to overcome.

This story was a little more descriptive than the previous installments. I think that’s because Jack and Annie were comparing Old Philadelphia to their new and modern Philadelphia. Therefore, we were able to enjoy the scenery more. It made the story more enjoyable and was easier to understand where and what Jack and Annie were experiencing.

I also enjoyed how the book depicted Ben Franklin feeling overwhelmed and discouraged with the things he saw in the future. Also, how Jack and Annie didn’t know how to explain all the things in the future to him. I thought that was a fair representation and made the story more believable.

Overall, I liked how the underlying message in this book was to appreciate even the simplest things in life. A lot of times we’re not being thankful or considerate of how easy life is now compared to past times. I’m looking forward to finishing off this long series soon; we’re almost there!

Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf

[Kylie]

I’d like you all to know I didn’t just read this book once. I’ve read it start to finish every day for the last 4 months 😭

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 honestly loved the library rep omg

[Hope Anderson (HopelessBookAddict) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our favorite Magic Treehouse book so far! Love the history and humor in it.

[em]

ben franklin was scared of annie's jeans

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire Magic Tree House series is a gift to children’s literature, but this particular volume was truly a fantastic read. I absolutely adored it.

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was right!!!

[Anna Cavallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story about Jack and Annie learning more about the US Constitution. It was cool to find out some more about Ben Franklin too.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

To the Future, Ben Franklin! follows kids, Jack and Annie, as the travel to Old Philadelphia and back to modern day Frog Creek, Pennsylvania. Jack and Annie need Doctor Ben to sign an important document in order to solve a the puzzle.

This book is part of The Magic Tree House series. It is #32. It was published in 2019. To the Future, Ben Franklin! is a fantasy chapter book great for first - third grade. While this book has not won any awards, the series was recommended in Chapter 8 of Children's Books in Children's Hands due to its elements of fantasy. Fantasy means it would never have a possibility of happening.

I love this series, but I felt this book was missing something. It seemed a little rushed and not everything was cohesive.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay I guess. As an adult I pick up on far more than a kid would, and it is just hard to know where this author is coming from.

The US is a republic, not a democracy. I don't know how many times I have to make that point.

Ben Franklin, and the rest of the founders, had some serious misgivings about slavery. He was not the only one, and it is by no means the linchpin of the US Constitution.

Franklin would be utterly disgusted by the government and society of today. The left is literally tearing the country apart, and no amount of public libraries would change his opinion.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack & Annie travel to Philadelphia 1787, during the Constitutional Convention, and meet Doctor Benjamin Franklin, who was having doubts as to whether he could sign the Constitution. Jack & Annie take Franklin with them to their time (2019) - the first time they've brought someone back to THEIR time - and show him the world of America in the 21st century, and though a public library, convince him to sign the Constitution . . .

[Amygk · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a few years since I've read a Magic Tree House, but when we saw this new adventure of Jack and Annie, we took it home to read. This is one of the stronger of the books and we all enjoyed the twist of Franklin coming to current time. In fact, the end reads a bit like an encouraging love letter to America in these current turbulent and troubling times.

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

89 pages. Another adventure awaits Jack and Annie. This time they travel to Philadelphia and meet Benjamin Franklin. He is having trouble deciding whether to sign the constitution document. Jack and Annie decide he must travel into the future to see what all his legacy includes. Interesting twist on the series. I think kids will enjoy this one. Highly recommended for grades 3-5.

[Tam Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read about all the wonderful things Ben Franklin created and did. As he and delegates meet to write the Constitution, Ben becomes discouraged that the vision of democracy will not happen. It’s up to Jack and Annie to persuade him to fight for and sign the new document.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Annie go back in time to meet Benjamin Franklin in the middle of writing and signing the constitution. No one can agree on everything so no one wants to sign (also, for those who remember, when the duo run into George Washington he states that he fondly remembers Jack and Annie from previous book but they do not correct him when he believes they just look similar, FYI). So to help Ben decide whether to sign the Constitution, Jack and Annie take him back to 2019 (yeah, officially have a dated present time for Jack and Annie) to show him what America looks like today. Morgan asked them to do this, though it feels a little like going rogue off of a very vague clue. Now Ben is scared of cars, asphalt, electric wires, and finally an airplane. He wants to go home, but Annie convinces him to hobble down to the public library. He is amazed by the Library, free education for all, access to books for all, children reading, its emotional for a guy who got 2 years of schooling. Then— my favorite part— Jack and Annie sit him down in front of computer to google America. I love the illustration where Ben is at the computer looking at it like *Gasp!* “WITCHES! What trickery is this?!?” This springs the 81 year old into action, he has to get back to his time to get the boys together to sign the constitution to make this future magic possible. Then Morgan takes van home and Jack and Annie head back to the library.

I really enjoyed this book, but how does bringing a founding father to the present not change the time line.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Tree House To the Future, Ben Franklin! It's so cool because Jack and Annie travel back in time to meet Ben Franklin, who was a really important person in history!

Ben Franklin is working on the revolutionary idea of signing the Constitution for our country. It's like the rules that help our country be awesome and fair to everyone. But guess what? He has doubts about signing it! Will he do it or not? I was so curious to find out!

I believe Jack and Annie can help him, but I won't spoil it for you. You should read it to see what happens! This book is amazing because it's full of history and adventure. It's like a big mystery, and I think the answer is in here!

One thing I really liked was when Ben Franklin got amazed by how much our country has evolved. Girls used to wear frilly dresses, but now we have cool and comfy pajamas! We should be thankful for all the adventures that made our world better.

Oh, and I have a joke for you! How do you avoid biting insects? Keep your mouth closed! Get it? It's like they're biting you from the inside!

I hope you read this awesome book and learn lots of cool stuff like I did. It's a great adventure with Jack and Annie, and you'll have so much fun! Happy reading, friends!

This book is amazing, and I can't wait for you to see my full review on my YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/-REnaEaFxms

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could be that everyone in elementary and intermediate grades loves the Magic Tree House series, and it's impressive that this title is the thirty-second one in the series. As usual, siblings Jack and Annie leave their Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, home to travel back in time to Philadelphia in 1787. There, they meet inventor Benjamin Franklin who is not convinced that he should sign the new nation's Constitution because of what it was missing. Jack and Annie bring him forward in time so that he can see all the modern conveniences of life as well as the library they frequent. They also point out that the Constitution can be amended in order to right any wrongs or omissions in the original document. As usual, the author effectively brings historical figures such as Franklin and periods to life, making history relatable for a young audience. The illustrations and interactions with Franklin and others of that Colonial period make the story fun to read. It seems that Mary Pope Osborne is never going to run out of ideas of places for her characters to travel--and her fans are glad about that, for sure.

[Heather O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this MTH book Jack and Annie are sent back to 1787 to help Benjamin Franklin. Ben is not sure whether or not he should sign the constitution of the United States and Jack and Annie need to bring him to the future to convince him why he should sign it.

I think MPO does a good job of bringing together actual events and adding some fiction to them to make them more interesting to younger kids. My boys have read all of the books, so I wanted to get this one for them too (I ended up reading it to them). I didn't feel as though there was as much information about Ben Franklin in this book as there are about other characters/time periods in other books, but it has been awhile since I read one so I could be mistaken. My boys are 11 & 8 and I felt that they are on the older side for these books. It is a super short read with black and white illustrations and great books for kids that are starting to read chapter books.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the mini series of four in which Jack and Annie must travel back in time and meet a hero, and give away a gift or complete a task Morgan has set them. The only thing that slightly disappoints me in these newer ones is that Morgan is not there, which in some of the others she has only been there in the last of the four, but in this one shes only there for a few lines, and does not really speak to Jack and Annie. Still, these are pretty fun. Benjamin Franklin: A nonfiction companion to Magic Tree House #32: To the Future, Ben Franklin! (Magic Tree House is the companion to this one

[Megan Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

To the Future, Ben Franklin! is another book in the Magic Tree House series. In this historical fiction chapter book, Jack and Annie go back in time and meet Ben Franklin in 1787. They meet Ben Franklin when he is in the middle of writing and signing the constitution. I really liked this book! I think this book would be a really good way of getting students more interested and engaged in social studies and/or history. In this book you are able to meet different historical figures like Ben Franklin and see what life was like during this time period. I think this would be a really good book to do in small group reading with students. It could also be integrated into the students' social studies class as well. The illustrations in this book also make it really fun and engaging for students. I feel like this would be a really good book for students in 3rd grade through 6th grade.

[Joshua Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one that took me back to my childhood and was one the start of a current ongoing reboot. This book takes you back in time to Philadelphia with the children trying to convince Ben Franklin to sign the constitution. On this journey, you learn that Ben Franklin was also a major contributor to the modern day libraries while they were doing research and showing Ben things that were happening modern day to help convince him. there is also a section in the back of the book that tells you cool fact like that he was the oldest person to sign the constitution, and that he was quite the swimmer back in his prime.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magic Tree House books are a MUST READ collection for all children. Unlike many other series for young readers, the Magic Tree House should be read in chronological order to best appreciate Jack and Annie's travels through time as they go on various missions; which are typically completed in four parts. Parents and educators will enjoy going along for the ride as much as their students!

On this adventure Jack and Anne travel back in time to Philadelphia 1787, where a group of men vehemently disagreed about what our US Constitution should look like. Can these siblings convince a frustrated Benjamin Franklin to sign the framework to a new imperfect nation?

[Colby Couture · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic Tree House is a great series for students that ties in the idea of fantasy with history. The series follows two children Jack and Annie as they adventure back in time to certain historical events via their tree house. This books would be great for all ages of elementary students, but might be too easy as they reach the upper elementary ages. These books teach so much about history and there are hundreds of options to choose from. This book in particular brought them back in time to colonial America as they learn about Ben Franklin. I would use these books to supplement a history unit in the classroom. It is a fun and exciting way for students to learn more about history.

[Teresa Fricke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Annie have a mission to help Ben Franklin decide to sign the Constitution! Throughout this book they learn about things that Ben Franklin has been apart of and invented. It is a great book to learn about Ben Franklin in a fun way! This is a easy book to read for elementary children. It is good for kids interested in learning about history, presidents, and/or significant people that have contributed to the United States.

[Matthew B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this text on the imaginationsoup.net website, and I read it in ebook format on the Libby app. This is a fun entry in the "Magic Tree House" series which will help young readers explore the genius of one of America's most important founders in a light-hearted time traveling format. This is a great way to both educate and entertain young readers on Ben Franklin's pivotal personality and achievements.