Now & Ben by Gene Barretta

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin, by Gene Barretta, 2006, New York: Henry Holt and Company (ISBN 9780805079173)

Awards:2007 Carolyn W. Field Award

Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.genebarretta.com

Media Used: Watercolor on paper 

Annotation:

A clever play on the common phrase “now and then,” this book tells of the modern technology that was invented by Benjamin Franklin.  Entertaining illustrations liven up the historical invention lesson in a way that will appeal to older readers.

Personal Reaction:

I learned many new things from reading this book, and was entertained while I learned!  The illustrations were bright and colorful, and were done in a classic cartoon style, thus keeping my attention (and I usually have a very limited attention span when it comes to educational books).  I really enjoyed the fact that the book related Ben Franklin’s inventions to present day.  This made it so I was able to better appreciate everything he did.  After reading this book, I am amazed at everything one man was able to invent.

Curricular Connection: 7th grade scientific revolution

My Top 10