Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, you’d set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight savings time, and invented bifocals – all inspired by his common sense and intelligence. In this informative book, Gene Barretta brings Benjamin Franklin’s genius to life, deepening our appreciation for one of the most influential figures in American history.
Winner of the
2007 CAROLYN W. FIELD AWARD
Pennsylvania Library Association
Reviews
The New York Times Book Review: “The extraordinary sense of Franklin as a severely temporally displaced person gives [this book] its power to delight . . . charming illustrations.”
School Library Journal: “A clever, concise introduction to the contributions of this colorful colonial figure . . . sure to inspire readers to learn more about its fascinating subject.”
The Horn Book Magazine: “Barretta leads readers from what they do know to what they probably don't . . . Read this one aloud.”
Publishers Weekly: “With its breezy format and succinct text, the book delivers facts in an assuredly kid-friendly style.”
Booklist: “A punchy read-aloud to lighten up American history units.”
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HONORS
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2017 - "Now & Ben" included in Geekwrapped.com's 100 Best New Science Books for Kids
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2015 - A painting from "Now & Ben" became part of the Mazza Museum collection!
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2014 - "Now & Ben" included in Best Books for Grades 3-5 by WeAreTeachers.com
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2013 - "Now & Ben" included in School Library Journal’s “20 Outstanding Non-Fiction Books/Core Essentials."
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2012 - "Now & Ben" chosen for Scholastic Book Club.
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2011 - "Now & Ben" is included in the 2011 Journeys Common Core Edition
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2009 - April Book of the Month by the Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children for "Now & Ben."
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2008 - "Ben Again!" exhibit at historic Morven House in Princeton, NJ. "Now and Ben" included.
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2008 - "Notable Children's Videos" by ALSC (American Library Assoc) for the DVD of "Now & Ben."
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2007 - CCBC Choices of 2007 "Now & Ben."
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2007 - Best Children's Books of the Year list by the Children's Book Committee at the Bank Street College of Education for "Now & Ben."
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2007 - Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers by The National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children's Book Council for "Now & Ben."
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2007 - Martha Stewart Sirius radio program. "Now & Ben" featured on "Kidstuff" in "Patriotic Books For Kids" segment.
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2006 - "Now & Ben" was chosen among ten books to be a tie-in to the A&E 13-part series titled “The Revolution.”
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2006 - Children's Book-of-the-Month Club for "Now & Ben."
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2006 - Book Sense Top Ten History Picks About The American Revolution for "Now & Ben."
