Introduction to Benjamin Franklin 

    Have you ever wondered how one person can make a big difference?

    Benjamin Franklin was a very curious man who lived a long time ago. He was a printer, writer, scientist, and inventor. Also, He helped the people who were working to create and build a new country called the United States.

    In this book, you will learn about Benjamin Franklin’s life and some of the very important things he did. As you read, look for some ways Franklin used his curiosity and ideas to help others!

Benjamin's Childhood

    Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. He was one of 17 children! His mother was a homemaker and his father was a candlemaker.

    Benjamin loved to read and learn. His family did not have a lot of money, so he could not stay in school for very long. But that did not stop him from learning.

    He read books whenever he could. He was always asking questions, looking for new things to discover, and being curious.

Benjamin As a Printer

    When Ben was a young boy, he started working with his older brother, James. James was a printer.

    With James, he learned how to make newspapers and books. He loved working with different types of words and sharing ideas with other people.

    When Benjamin started growing older, he moved to Philadelphia. This is where he opened his own printing business. He became a successful printer and published a newspaper called the Pennsylvania Gazette.

Sharing Ideas

    Benjamin Franklin was a huge fan of sharing ideas and collaborating. He always thinking of ways to make life better.

    He helped start a library so people could share about books. He also helped organize a safe fire company to help protect people and their homes from fires.

    Benjamin believed that people could work together and collaborate to solve problems. He loved sharing his ideas and learning from others!

    Benjamin was curious about electricity. He wanted to understand how it worked.

During a well-known experiment, Benjamin used a kite during a thunderstorm. He wanted to know if lightning was connected to electricity.

    Benjamin's experiments helped many people learn more about electricity. He became well known as a scientist.

    Now days, we know that flying a kite during a thunderstorm is extremely dangerous!

Benjamin and Electricity

The American Revolution and Benjamin

    Benjamin Franklin was alive when the American colonies were fighting for independence from Great Britain. He became an major leader during this time. Franklin helped write the Declaration of Independence with other leaders.

    Later, he traveled to France. He asked the French people to help out the Americans during the Revolutionary War.

    Benjamin worked hard to help the colonies become an independent country!

France and Benjamin Franklin

    Benjamin traveled across the ocean to France. He lived there for many years.

    Benjamin worked as a diplomat. Many people in France liked Ben. He helped the United States build a major friendship with France.

    Benjamin's work helped the new country during the Revolutionary War.

Grown Up Benjamin Franklin

    Benjamin Franklin continued to learn, write, and help other people throughout his life.

    He was a printer, writer, inventor, scientist, and statesman. He also helped create important plans for the new United States.

    Benjamin died in Philadelphia in 1790. He was 84 years old.

    Even after he died, people continued to remember his ideas and all of his accomplishments.

Primary Source #1

    This is a primary source connected to Benjamin Franklin. 

    Benjamin Franklin wrote and printed many things during his life. Looking at his original words helps us learn about the past!