Who was Ben Franklin?
by Dennis B. Fradin
Grosset & Dunlap 2002
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- curiosity
- innovation
- perseverance
- civic responsibility
- leadership
- American Revolution
- problem-solving
- ingenuity
About this book
This accessible biography from the Who Was? series introduces Ben Franklin as a curious kid who became a printer, writer, inventor, scientist, and a key statesman in America’s founding. Through short chapters and illustrations, readers follow his adventures from Boston to Philadelphia and across the Atlantic. The book highlights his big ideas—like electricity experiments, bifocals, and public libraries—and his role in shaping a new nation. It’s a fast, engaging read for elementary and middle graders who enjoy real-life heroes and history.
Setting: Colonial America and Europe in the 1700s (Boston, Philadelphia, London, Paris)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Who was Ben Franklin? right for my child?
Yes — Who was Ben Franklin? is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th 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, innovation, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Who was Ben Franklin??
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Who was Ben Franklin? takes around 53m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Who was Ben Franklin? have an AR quiz?
Yes — Who was Ben 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 Who was Ben Franklin??
Who was Ben Franklin? has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th 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.