Ben Franklin was the scientist who, with the help of a kite, discovered that lightning is electricity. He was also a statesman, an inventor, a printer, and an author-a man of such amazingly varied talents that some people claimed he had magical powers! Full of all the details kids will want to know, the true story of Benjamin Franklin is by turns sad and funny, but always honest and awe-inspiring.
Dennis Brindell Fradin Books
Dennis Fradin is an acclaimed author celebrated for his meticulous research and keen attention to detail. He honed his signature smooth and graceful writing style through his experiences teaching in Chicago's public schools, where he captivated young students with imaginative tales. This storytelling talent eventually launched his career as a full-time author of non-fiction for children and young adults. Fradin's extensive body of work spans diverse subjects, from astronomy and history to compelling narratives about escaped slaves and biographies of notable figures.



Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
- 103 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It's true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation's most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and-what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life-a slave owner. Finally, here's a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father's remarkable and complicated life.
Stolen Into Slavery: The True Story of Solomon Northup, Free Black Man
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Focusing on the harrowing experiences of Solomon Northup, this true story chronicles his abduction as a free black man in New York and subsequent sale into slavery in Louisiana. The narrative delves into the brutal realities of enslavement and Northup's struggle for survival and freedom, offering a poignant reflection on the injustices of the era. His resilience and quest for liberation highlight the human spirit's endurance against oppression, making it a powerful account of history.