How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning
by Rosalyn Schanzer
First Scholastic 2002
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- curiosity
- innovation and invention
- science and discovery
- problem-solving
- perseverance
- public service
- electricity
- American history
About this book
This lively picture-book biography introduces Benjamin Franklin as a curious tinkerer who loved solving everyday problems. With humorous art and clear storytelling, it highlights how his experiments with electricity led to the lightning rod and how his many inventions helped people. Young readers see Franklin as a real person—clever, hardworking, and eager to make his community better. Great for grades 2–5, it blends history and science in an engaging, kid-friendly way.
Setting: colonial America, primarily Philadelphia in the 1700s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include curiosity, innovation and invention, science and discovery.
How long does it take to read How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,600 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning have an AR quiz?
Yes — How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. 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 How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning?
How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.