Nonfiction; Becoming Ben Franklin

A. Bibliography:
Freedman, Russell. (2013). Becoming Ben Franklin: How a Candle-Maker's Son Helped Light the Flame of Liberty. New York, NY: Holiday House, Inc. ISBN: 9780823423743.

B. Plot Summary:
Becoming Ben Franklin presents a different style of biography- narrative style, even though it is not an autobiography.  When you read this biography, it feels as if you are reading Benjamin Franklin's diary due to the many quotes from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Russell Freedman begins with a short introduction of his childhood.  From there, he fast forwards to Benjamin Franklin's teenage years working in his brother's printing shop as an apprentice.  After being bossed around by his older brother, Franklin flees to Pennsylvania to exercise his freedom.  

We are then led into the adulthood of Franklin and the many trials and tribulations, as well as the successes he encounters.  The title of each chapter leads the reader to each major event in his life, from his personal printing business to moving to Paris where he charmed his way to help France sign two treaties with the United States.  This isn't your ordinary biography.  Freedman uses primary sources to add small, personal details that you don't usually find in traditional biographies.  If you thought you already knew a lot about Franklin, then this is the book to read to go deeper into the life of one of our Founding Fathers.

C. Critical Analysis:
Russell Freedman, a recipient of the Sibert and Newbery Medals, is able to accomplish more of a personal story feel to this biography.  With short excerpts from Benjamin Franklin's personal autobiography, the reader feels that they are reading a journal written by Franklin.  It is not a typical picture book biography.  It is more like a memoir due to the sources that Freedman used.  He used primary sources such as Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, Wit and Wisdom from Poor Richard's Almanack, and John Updike's The Founding Father.
  
Freedman incorporates many nonfiction text features such as a table of contents, index, time line, captions and paintings.  He includes a page on picture credits since he used paintings and illustrations by many different artists.  The realistic pictures give this biography an authentic historic feel.

While this is a great independent read for older students and adults, it is difficult to imagine this as a read aloud for younger students in elementary school. 

D. Review Excerpts:
**School Library Journal states "Freedman, however, is a master at taking primary sources and turning them into engaging narratives that draw readers into the subject...Biographers make decisions about what to leave out as much as what to put in, but Freedman is consistent in connecting his discussion to primary sources. The result is an account that examines the whole of Franklin's remarkable life but does not overwhelm readers."
**Kirkus Reviews states, "Freedman is a master at shaping stories that bring history to life, with clear and lively prose rooted in solid research. The stylish volume includes many reproductions of portraits, engravings, and newspaper and almanac pages to enliven the fascinating portrait of Franklin and his times."

E. Connections:

Students might enjoy reading about the other Founding Fathers. Readers who enjoyed Freedman's style of biography will enjoy reading his other biographies, The Wright Brothers: How they Invented the Airplane and The Life and Death of Crazy Horse. 
Here are some discussion questions for students:
What do you think was Franklin's biggest accomplishment?
If you could ask Franklin two questions, what would they be?
How is the world different because of Franklin?
What do you think Franklin would've done if his father did not encourage to follow his dreams?