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Ordinary People Change the World
Soy Benjamín Franklin / I am Benjamin Franklin (Gente común y corriente que cambió el mundo / Ordinary People Change the World)
Each picture book biography in this New York Times bestselling series tells the story of a significant historical figure in a simple, conversational, playful way, always focusing on a character trait that makes the hero a role model for kids. This volume features Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States who helped draft the Declaration of Independence while making important scientific contributions.
40 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2020
4 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
321 books7,211 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 7, 2020
Even my daughter liked this line: “New ideas are like lighting. They can appear instantly, striking from nowhere with staggering power. The power is yours. Use it wisely and you’ll change the world.”
October 1, 2021
Benjamin Franklin was an interesting man. It was nice to read about him and especially his sayings!
November 30, 2020
Another fantastic biography from the 'Ordinary People Change the World' series!
November 30, 2020
My kids loved the audio of this book!
December 7, 2021
I am Benjamin Franklin is a historical fiction book written by Brad Meltzer. This book has not won any awards but is very informative. The age group is 5-9 which is grades kindergarten through fourth grade.
This book is a biography of Ben Franklin's life from the time he was born leading up to where he is now. Throughout the book it talks about his school age years and how his invention of electricity came to be and how important it is. Basically it explains how he was able to chnage the world. Besides the title of the book it also says ordinary people change the world on the corner of the front cover of the book.
I rated this book five stars because I enjoyed reading the book and liked learning more about Ben Franklin because I did not know much about him before I read this book, all I knew is that he invented electricity. The illistrations are wonderful and look very cartoonish which fits with the story perfectly. The plot flows perfectly and the characters are simple since there is only one. If I was ever teaching about inventions I would definitely read this book to my students.
This book is a biography of Ben Franklin's life from the time he was born leading up to where he is now. Throughout the book it talks about his school age years and how his invention of electricity came to be and how important it is. Basically it explains how he was able to chnage the world. Besides the title of the book it also says ordinary people change the world on the corner of the front cover of the book.
I rated this book five stars because I enjoyed reading the book and liked learning more about Ben Franklin because I did not know much about him before I read this book, all I knew is that he invented electricity. The illistrations are wonderful and look very cartoonish which fits with the story perfectly. The plot flows perfectly and the characters are simple since there is only one. If I was ever teaching about inventions I would definitely read this book to my students.
December 26, 2020
This one has a lovely inspirational quality because of the curiosity of Benjamin Franklin himself as an inventor and publisher of a free press. Explaining his never-ending ability to ask question and pose others is why (as it shares) that he was one of a very few who worked on all of the founding documents because of his beliefs and understanding about America.
Plus I'm always a sucker for the historical value of the salon, in which groups of individuals would get together to share and trade and discuss ideas. Likewise, Franklin was hellbent on being in control of his life and created sets of rules for himself to keep him on the path that he wanted. I loved this. A man after my own heart. Forever self-improving.
Plus I'm always a sucker for the historical value of the salon, in which groups of individuals would get together to share and trade and discuss ideas. Likewise, Franklin was hellbent on being in control of his life and created sets of rules for himself to keep him on the path that he wanted. I loved this. A man after my own heart. Forever self-improving.
November 29, 2021
Genre: Biography
Grade: 2-3
I decided to read another one of these books from the series after reading the one about Amelia Earhart. I love the style and think young readers would love them just as much! The cartoon aspect of the illustrations and storytelling is incredibly engaging and fun to read. There is also a lot of information involved as we walk through the lives of these inspirational leaders.
Grade: 2-3
I decided to read another one of these books from the series after reading the one about Amelia Earhart. I love the style and think young readers would love them just as much! The cartoon aspect of the illustrations and storytelling is incredibly engaging and fun to read. There is also a lot of information involved as we walk through the lives of these inspirational leaders.
October 20, 2020
The latest historical personage for entry in the I Am... series is good ol' Benjamin Franklin. While he is one of the most reknowned of America's Founding Fathers, here he is advocating for a person to recognize that they can (and need) to improve themselves, then they can improve the world.
February 1, 2021
TONS of information (too much for the age range it's written for). A great biography but illustrations and cover look like 2-5 age range and content is definitely 4-8 (leaning more towards the 8). My son (3) could not sit through this reading. Lots of interesting information, looks great, appealing to reader as well, but just too much.
September 29, 2020
Another excellent addition to the series. A lot of information is covered, and still the whole remains comprehensible for small children.
I received a copy for review through Edelweiss, opinions are entirely my own.
I received a copy for review through Edelweiss, opinions are entirely my own.
Want to read
March 30, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
October 16, 2020
Another great book in the series. This is one of my students' favorite series.
January 4, 2021
Meltzer never disappoints with this I Am series. Love the life lessons in each one!
April 14, 2021
Fabulous book to introduce the little ones to Benjamin Franklin. Absolutely a winner!
Read
April 25, 2021This is a fun and lively story all about Benjamin Franklin.
Lexile Level- 610L
Grades- K-3
Lexile Level- 610L
Grades- K-3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2021
Super cute and emphasizes the power of ideas and improving yourself. This book empowers kids to change the world and to be anything they want but most of all be kind.
August 19, 2021
I loved this one!
October 11, 2021
Worth reading years ago and way into the future.
December 30, 2021
Learned a lot!
April 8, 2022
We love the ordinary people series! I love that it teaches the kids they can change things even if they are regular people. We can celebrate people who aren't famous.
October 11, 2023
Got as a library prize, gave and read to grandchildren
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews