It’s Tween and Teen Tuesday where we review either a juvenile (J) or young adult (YA) book.
Ben and Me
Robert Lawson (Juvenile Fiction)
Do you recall seeing portraits of Benjamin Franklin where he wore an old fur hat? Little did you know that inside that hat lived one very intelligent, outspoken, and opinionated mouse by the name of Amos. Amos was Franklin’s closest friend, adviser, and the one largely responsible for Franklin’s greatest innovations and achievements…regardless of what historians may have recorded.
Lawson writes with wit and charm and provides readers with whimsical drawings that give life to both Ben and Amos. From lightning rods to “Liberty Forever!”, young readers will get a glimpse into the greatness and brilliance of one of history’s most accomplished individuals. Of course, we need to temporarily overlook the flamboyant embellishments of one overly enthusiastic rodent, but when you do, you get a delightful story that is just the right length to hold a young reader’s attention while capturing the imagination. Throw in a revolution…or two…and you have a tale that is sure to delight and amuse.
Rating: 4/5
The Dusty Jacket 