Q&A with Carmella Van Vleet, author of
Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself
Q: How did you become interested in writing about Ben Franklin?
A: I have to admit, I knew very little about Ben Franklin before my publisher asked me to write this book. Of course, I remembered the story about the kite in the thunderstorm and that he invented lots of things like bifocals, but that was about it. And then I started researching him. Almost immediately, I came across the story about him asking his dad why they couldn't just bless the whole barrel of fish to save time saying grace. I thought, This is the kind of cheeky kid I can relate to!.
Q: So you were a cheeky kid?
A: I wasn't smart-alecky, but, like Ben, I was interested in lots of things like writing and science. And let's just say I now have my own child who, in typical Ben fashion, gets into lots of "creative mischief."
Q: There are many myths about Ben Franklin. Which one do you find the most amusing?
A: I think it's funny some people believe Ben was a president! I guess it's because he was a Founding Father and his face is on the hundred-dollar bill. Many people don't realize that Ben was already a very old man when George Washington was elected.
Q: What is Ben Franklin's most important invention or contribution to society?
A: This is a really difficult question to answer! Ben Franklin invented so many things and discovered some incredibly important properties of electricity. He also helped establish things like the public library, fire departments, and public hospitals. He was one of the driving forces behind America's quest for independence. Not to mention the fact, he was key to establishing that independence and forming our government.
Q: What is your favorite Ben Franklin invention?
A: Ben said his favorite invention was the armonica. I think my favorite invention really isn't an invention. It was the creation of the public library. Ben believed everyone should have access to books. As a huge reader, I'm thankful that Ben made this belief into a reality.
Q: Why do you combine history with hands-on projects?
A: I'm just a big kid at heart. I love to build and make things. Besides, as a former teacher, I know kids learn and remember better when they can connect with their topic. Projects allow kids to connect with Ben on a fun and personal level.
Q: What was your favorite activity to make?
A: That's another tough question since I enjoyed doing all of the projects. For some silly reason, though, I really liked doing the milk jug piggybank. I painted mine neon pink.
Q: Why will kids enjoy reading about Ben Franklin?
A: I think Ben was a big kid at heart, too. He was curious and creative and loved to play tricks. (For example, he used to rig the gate in front of his house to shock people!) I think kids will appreciate his sense of humor and relate to his sense of adventure.
Q: What are some fun and interesting facts about Ben?
A:
Ben helped Thomas Jefferson revise the Declaration of Independence.
Ben wrote a letter that convinced Congress to publicly debate slavery for the first time.
Ben liked to sit in an empty bathtub and take "air baths."
Ben nearly electrocuted himself to death while trying to cook a turkey with electricity!
Despite having only basic scientific instruments, Ben’s chart of the Gulf Stream is very accurate.
Ben's lightening rod saved his own home at least once from being hit by lightening.
Ben had a son who died at age four of smallpox.
Ben's Poor Richard's Almanac made him so wealthy that he was able to retire in his forties and pursue science and politics.
Ben did not do well in math at school.
Ben was an excellent swimmer. At one time, he thought about opening a swimming school.
Q: After researching the book, did you come away with any favorite stories or anecdotes about Ben?
A: I love how Ben often used his skill as a writer to get what he wanted. My favorite example of this is when Ben decided to start his own newspaper. At the time, there were already two newspapers in Philadelphia. One was published by Ben's former boss Samuel Keimer. Ben didn't like Keimer, so he decided to try to get him to leave the newspaper business. He did this by writing funny essays called the "Busy-Body Letters" and publishing them in a newspaper that competed with Keimer's. The letters were so popular that everyone bought the competitor's paper. With sales dwindling, Kiemer sold his paper to Ben for a bargain price! Sure, it was kind of sneaky but I think it was very clever, too.
For additional interesting facts about Ben Franklin, click here.
Contributor: Nomad Press
Reviews
Amazing Ben Franklin Inventions You Can Build Yourself
Carmella Van Vleet
Ben Franklin is one of the most famous Americans. His contributions to the worlds of government, science, publishing, and farming are still with us today. Many of his inventions are simple enough for children to try at home. Van Vleet has not only created a fun, step-by-step guide to some of his inventions, she accompanies each invention with background information about Franklin and relevant history. This book goes far beyond the usual kites and invisible ink common to most books about Franklin. Instructions for making your own watermark paper, thermometers, solar ovens, and even baked apples are included. In addition to having “Words to know” sections in each chapter, there is also a thorough glossary and timeline. This book is an excellent source for science experiments, arts and crafts, historical exercises, and just plain fun! 2007, Nomad Press, $14.95. Ages 9 to 14. Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-97712947-8
ISBN: 0-97712947-0
Added 2/28/08
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