Benjamin Franklin
A nonfiction companion to Magic Tree House #32: To the Future, Ben Franklin!
by Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce
Random House Books for Young Readers 2019
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- curiosity and inquiry
- innovation and invention
- perseverance
- civic responsibility
- American Revolution and independence
- problem-solving
- leadership
- science and discovery
About this book
This Magic Tree House Fact Tracker gives kids a lively introduction to Benjamin Franklin’s life as a printer, scientist, inventor, and Founding Father. Short chapters, photos, and sidebars answer common questions from curious readers and tie directly to Jack and Annie’s adventure in To the Future, Ben Franklin! It’s a friendly resource for school reports or independent reading, highlighting Franklin’s big ideas and everyday habits. Kids enjoy the surprising facts, clever inventions, and how one person’s curiosity helped shape a new nation.
Setting: 18th-century America, especially Boston and Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benjamin Franklin right for my child?
Yes — Benjamin Franklin is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include curiosity and inquiry, innovation and invention, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Benjamin Franklin?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Benjamin Franklin takes around 1.1h to finish. The book has 11,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Benjamin Franklin have an AR quiz?
Yes — Benjamin Franklin has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.