Benjamin Franklin, American Geniustells the rich story of one of America's most celebrated Founding Fathers. As a young printer Franklin became a celebrity with the publication ofPoor Richard: An Almanack. He founded the colonies' first lending library, volunteer fire company, and postal service. His 1751 bookExperiments and Observations on Electricitylaunched Franklin to the height of scientific circles, and a year later he proved that lightning was an electrical discharge. Before the American Revolution, Franklin represented the Pennsylvania colony in London, but eventually returned to help draft the Declaration of Independence. The new nation then called on his considerable diplomatic talents by naming him Minister to France, where he helped secure financial and military aide for the breakaway republic.Author Brandon Marie Miller captures the essence of this exceptional individual through both his original writings and hands-on activities from the era. Readers will design and print an almanac cover, play a simple glass armonica (a Franklin invention), experiment with static electricity, build a barometer, and more.

The text also includes a time line, glossary, Web and travel resources, and reading list for further study.