Benjamin Franklinstein Meets the Fright Brothers

by Matthew McElligott, Larry Tuxbury

Before Victor and Benjamin Franklin can figure out why he awoke from his 200 - plus years of sleep, giant bat planes and mysterious attacks bring mayhem to Philadelphia. Only two of history's inventors could pilot such high-flying creations - the famous Wright brothers! But the red-eyed brothers don't seem quite like themselves. . . .
Victor and Ben discover that the giant bat planes are part of a nefarious plan to gain mind-control over everyone in the city. Could the brothers really want to take over Philadelphia - and can Victor and his friends crash their plans in time?
Uncover the secrets of Benjamin Franklinstein, and more of history's greatest inventors, at www.benjaminfranklinstein.com.

Genres: Mystery, Science Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Childrens, Humor

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Matthew McElligott is the author and illustrator of many books for children. When Matt is not writing, he teaches as a Professor of Graphic and Media Design at Russell Sage College in Albany. He lives on a small farm in upstate New York with his wife and their animals.

Reviews

[Timothy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading Benjamin Franklinstein Meets the Fright Brothers by Matthew McElligot and Larry Tuxbury. The main character in the book is named Victor Godwin. In the first book in the series, Benjamin Franklinstein Lives!, a man by the name of Frank Benjamin moves in beneath Victor's apartment. After a while, Victor finds out that Benjamin Franklinstein was never dead, but sleeping until being awakened and going undercover and using the name Frank Benjamin. Now, in the second book, Benjamin, Victor, and Victor's friend, Scott must stop the recently wakened evil Wright Brothers. I really like this book because it's a fun twist to history. I love how Benjamin Franklinstein turns into Frankenstein and goes on a rampage and the Wright Brothers are vampires that fly around the city. Personally, I can not relate to this book at all because I have never been in such a crazy situation such as Victor's. I never thought I would like this book considering its genre, but I read the first one and loved it, so I got this and am enjoying it just as much. I got really excited when they went to the bicycle shop owned by the Wright Brothers because I was curious why the inventors of the airplane would be running a bike shop. I was surprised to see that the brothers just rip the bikes to pieces and throw the pieces in the corner of their warehouse. I think McElligot and Tuxbury did a great job when writing this series. They describe the characters well and they make the reader not want to put the book down. In fact, I'm surprised I'm not reading it right now. I can't wait to finish it!

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a fiction book. This is an interesting book if you like history that is also funny. I would recommend this book to a younger kid who is about eight or nine. I personally think this book was to easy to read, but I am glad I read it. One thing I like about this book is how all the names can be very funny.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading level: 4.5 Interest level Grades 3-6 (Maybe higher)

Calling all adventuresome nerds! This new series by Matthew McElligot and Larry Tuxbury is LOADS of fun! Imagine that there is a secret society known as the Modern Order of Prometheus, begun by Benjamin Franklin who, through various experiments, finds a way to suspend himself in death in hopes that he and other great minds can be awakened when the "Great Emergency" arises. Long story short, Benjamin Franklin awakens in modern day and is in the care of a boy named Victor. It becomes clear that something terrible is going on in Victor's hometown of Philadelphia when two vampire-like men who strangely resemble the Wright Brothers begin taking control of people and bicycles.

As it turns out, there is a larger evil at work. Ben, Victor and his friend, Scott, must thwart the evil plans of the Wright Brothers (who as it turns out are being controlled by Monsieur Enbee) before they take over...the world. This story and series are one fun, page-turning twist and turn after another and, I believe, would appeal to a wide variety of kids.

One of my favorite parts is when Benjamin Franklin, who speaks in 1700's english, is thrilled to discover television and the remote control which he calls the "television wand." Let me set the stage, "Had anyone on the street happened to look up, it is unlikely they would have recognized the great American patriot. He wore Bermuda shorts, a tattered t-shirt, and a scarf to disguise the strange metal bolts in his neck... Recently, television had become Franklin's obsession. What surprised Victor were the types of programs Franklin chose to watch. He found C-span, the news, and the History channel interesting, but what he really loved were cartoons" and the weather forecaster who he refers to as "pure genius." A really hilarious blend of old and new.

Another great quality to this book besides the humor, the history, the science fiction, the hugely entertaining illustrations is the website connection. It can be found here:

http://www.benjaminfranklinstein.com/

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

After spending centuries in suspended animation, Benjamin Franklin is alive and--if not well, then at least on his way to being well--in this second title of a series. The great inventor lives in the apartment below Victor, who serves as his caretaker, and along with Victor's friend Scott, they discover a plot to take over the city of Philadelphia. Watching Ben adjust to modern life and deal with a series of fits cause by strange signals sent over the telephone is highly amusing. When you throw into the mix the Wright Brothers who are rounding up all the bicycles in the area and the antics of Scott's meteorologist father, you're in for plenty of hilarity. Middle grade readers are sure to anxiously await the next inventor to awaken.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequel to Benjamin Franklinstein Lives! This time Victor, his friend Scott, and Benjamin Franklin are up against a non-dead madman who wants to rule the world. His "tools"-the Wright Brothers who, like Benjamin Franklin, have also been awoken from their long years in deathlike suspended animation.

Probably best to read the first book of this series first. Short, easy reading, good drawings and illustrations.

[Tamsyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this adventure even more than the first! I loved the pictorial recap FAQ as well as new characters -- my only worry is about the new light bulbs that Victor's mom went out to buy... but I suspect they may connect to the next book?

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still love the pics (and the kids, do, too). Of the two stories I liked the first one better (Benjamin Franklin is a more believable character than the Wright Brothers) but that's OK. I am not the main audience. Kiddos are!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little history, a little mystery, and a little horror. Good choice for 3rd/4th grade boys. Not necessary to read the first title in the series to enjoy this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, science, a little adventure with a smidge of scarry (more suspense type then horror). Good for 1-3rd graders, boy oriented, some drawings, good cover.

[Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it alot. Most of my books I don't know when I finished but this I know that I finished. I really appreciated it alot. It was fun and cool.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great sequel to Benjamin Franklinstein Lives, full of adventure and several ciphers which will have kids wanting to visit the website and puzzle out the codes.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good times indeed.

[Lisa D · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated it!

[Hugh Janus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has every aspect that's great!