Benjamin Franklin: American Statesman, Scientist and Writer (Colonial Leaders (Paperback))

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Summary: The story of Benjamin Franklin, the self-made American
Review: Benjamin Franklin lived such a long and productive life that it is really hard to do justice to him in a short biography, which is saying something because this volume in the Colonial Leaders series is not exactly short. I remember Franklin being described as the greatest President never to be President, and this juvenile biography by Bruce and Becky Durost Fish will certainly give young readers an indication of why this is the case. The book describes Franklin as American Statesman, Scientist, and Writer, which is essentially the reverse order of the major stages of his life.

We learn about how Franklin was a prime example of the self-made American, whose aptitude for printing and witty writing made him rich. This biography makes it clear that Franklin wanted not only a better life for himself, but for other people as well. He invented the Franklin stove and gave away the patent because it was a better way of heating homes, which was a public benefit. Students will learn a little about several of his inventions, as well as some of the things he wrote and the many diplomatic endeavors Franklin undertook for his country. The book is illustrated with historic paintings and etching of Franklin, as well as some of the key events of colonial times, and photographs of some of his inventions. Ultimately, this book can really only sketch out Franklin's life. But it does serve as a more than adequate introduction to his life for young readers.

Chronologically Franklin, along with Benjamin Banneker, is one of the last figure in the Colonial Leaders series, which starts with John Smith and William Bradford. There is a companion series of sorts which focuses on Revolutionary War Leaders from Benedict Arnold to George Washington (but without including John Adams as its most glaring omission).