How Benjamin Franklin Became a Revolutionary in Seven (Not-So-Easy) Steps

★ “Along with tracing the general arc of Franklin’s rise in the commercial, scientific, and diplomatic realms, the author offers sidelights on some of his pastimes and inventions before closing with backmatter that includes separate reading lists for adult and younger readers. Woelfle’s dynamic approach results in a personal, probing portrait of the Founding Father. In O’Brien’s tongue-in-cheek ink drawings, small period figures with paper-white skin gesticulate, scurry about busily, or, in one amusing scene, fall comically victim to one of Franklin’s infamous electrical pranks. A superb tribute to a foresighted patriot in peace and war.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Gretchen Woelfle’s delightful book weaves a tapestry of wisdom from Benjamin Franklin’s extraordinary and multifaceted life, a life that prepared him for his ultimate challenge as the revolutionary leader and Founding Father. Her seven steps are a roadmap for young readers to build the ‘milestones’ in their own lives for a successful future, maybe even a revolutionary one.” —Mark Barbour, executive director and curator, International Printing Museum

Gretchen Woelfle is the author of multiple award-winning fiction and nonfiction books for young readers. Her books include Answering the Cry for Freedom, Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence, and Write On, Mercy!, both of which received the California Reading Association’s Eureka! Silver Award, among many other honors.

John O’Brien has illustrated over 100 books for children. His titles include Revolutionary Rogues- John Andre and Benedict Arnold by Selene Castrovilla and Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock. John is also a cartoonist for many magazines and newspapers, most notably The New Yorker, New York Times, and Esquire.

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