School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-It is appropriate that a man who loved reading and established the first subscription library in America should be the subject of such a stellar book. From printer (his favorite title) to husband and father to scientist to military general to diplomat, "Le Grand Franklin" is hereby presented in all of his wise glory as well as in his humble pride. His incredible life flies by in a flurry of accomplishment, with readers hardly noticing the years passing, or that they are learning an interesting and important part of history. The many black-and-white repro- ductions, some from the man's own hand, complement the typeface, which was used in productions from Franklin's Philadelphia press. The source notes put most series biographies to shame. With its chronologies, map, index, diverse bibliography, and helpful Web sites, this is a solid research tool. Franklin's maxims and passages from his Pennsylvania Gazette are generously spread throughout the text, and readers will develop an appreciation for who this person was in his own time and what he means to the United States in our day. Adler doesn't miss a beat in his first biography for this age level, which is perhaps the best so far of a man who, he suggests, may have been "our greatest American."-Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This book is handsomely designed with clearly reproduced, carefully selected illustrations. Intended for slightly older readers than Giblin's [cf2]The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin,[cf1] the text expands on the material without being repetitious. Beginning with Franklin's youth, Adler discusses the man's amazing life and gives a moving account of his death, incorporating much in a relatively short book. Timelines are included. Bib., ind. From HORN BOOK Fall 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
"Benjamin Franklin was a singular man with a keen mind that soared above the clouds.' " Franklin was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Treaty of Alliance with France, and the Treaty of Paris to end the revolutionary war. He was a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, and a writer. Proud of his working-class roots, Franklin humbly referred to himself as a printer, hence the title Adler (Andy Russell, Not Wanted by the Police, p. 1352, etc.) has chosen. This attractive work is packed with good information and reproductions of maps, drawings, engravings, paintings, letters, and excerpts from The Pennsylvania Gazette, all diligently attributed to their sources. Adler emphasizes Franklin's life prior to the revolution, and then does an excellent job of tracing his philosophical shift from believer in the unity of the empire to key player in the movement for independence. It was Franklin who suggested the line "We hold these truths to be self-evident" for the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately, the author's writing does not equal the quality of the format and design. While Franklin's mind soars, the prose drags, reading more like a school report than the lively narrative it might have been. Still, it will be valuable to young report writers and, as a study of a popular subject, should find a wide audience. Extensive source notes are included, though curiously no references for young readers are provided. (chronologies, bibliography, Web sites, illustration credits, index) (Biography. 9+)
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-8. The title of this lively biography refers to the epitaph Franklin wrote for himself as a young man. In no way does it limit the scope of Adler's subject, which surveys Benjamin Franklin's life as a printer, a scientist, an inventor, a writer, and a statesman. Adler discusses Franklin in the context of his times, offering insights into his personal life as well as his varied interests and his considerable contributions to his city and, later, his country. Throughout the book, details, anecdotes, and quotations bring the man's portrait into clearer focus, while period illustrations, facsimiles of documents, and excerpts from Franklin's The Pennsylvania Gazette help readers envision the background of his times. The excellent book design includes the use of a typeface favored by Franklin, which gives a period flavor while remaining quite readable. Back matter includes chronologies of Franklin's life and contemporary American history, unusually detailed and informative source notes, illustration credits, and annotated lists of recommended books and Web sites. An intriguing portrait of a many-faceted man. --Carolyn Phelan