Review by Booklist Review
Nothing about 10-year-old Nolan Stanberry's summer vacation has gone as planned. In the aftermath of his parents' divorce, Nolan's father left for London, and Nolan's mother, the author-illustrator of a popular children's series, is holed up in her attic studio with a bad bout of writer's block. Nolan, meanwhile, is stuck caring for his spunky kid sister, Olive. But when a mysterious crystal radio set appears on the Stanberry's doorstep, things turn from mundane to insane in a matter of seconds: a few flicks of a lever have brought Benjamin Franklin staggering into twenty-first-century Rolling Hills, Illinois and Ben is one busy guy. While Ben Franklin and Revolutionary-era time travel is no stranger to recent middle-grade romps, Fleming's portrayal of the twinkly-eyed Founding Father as an impulsive adventurer and avid storyteller propels the narrative to subtly educational, hilarious heights. Fearing's interspersed graphic-novel-style panels further illuminate Ben's most crucial societal contributions, from libraries and electricity to swim fins. With handy bibliographic resources, hearty characters, and the promise of a sequel, this is, as Ben would say, an all-around jolly lark. --Shemroske, Briana Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-A mysterious contraption from the past ends up on Nolan's doorstep and zaps founding father Ben Franklin into his kitchen. Narrator Malcolm Campbell expertly voices young Nolan as he deals with his visitor, a nosy neighbor, and his mermaid-loving little sister, Olive. Campbell takes Nolan from frustrated to furious to amused and much more, changing from higher and lower pitches to convey the characters' changing emotions. He also does a convincing Ben Franklin and even Nolan's rambunctious little sister is realistically captured. Listeners will be cheering Nolan, Ben, and Olive as they have a day filled with adventure and learning. Fleming's descriptive text, including a hilarious scene where Mr. Franklin teaches a pool full of parents and kids "stunt swimming," truly comes to life on audio. VERDICT Fleming fills the story with fascinating Franklin facts, making it perfect for family or classroom listening. The ending hints at more adventures in history for Nolan and Olive.-Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
What would Ben Franklin think about the scientific and social foundation he established if he returned to the U.S. today? The humorous answer, in an undemanding text with generous spot art, finds Ben transported to the home of two young siblings; he's out of step with twenty-first-century fashion but in step with libraries, fire departments, and widespread use of electricity. Appended with an informative author's note. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Antics both instructive and embarrassing ensue after a mysterious package left on their doorstep brings a Founding Father into the lives of two modern children. Summoned somehow by what looks for all the world like an old-time crystal radio set, Ben Franklin turns out to be an amiable sort. He is immediately taken in hand by 7-year-old Olive for a tour of modern wondersearly versions of which many, from electrical appliances in the kitchen to the Illinois town's public library and fire department, he justly lays claim to inventing. Meanwhile big brother Nolan, 10, tags along, frantic to return him to his own era before either their divorced mom or snoopy classmate Tommy Tuttle sees him. Fleming, author of Ben Franklin's Almanac (2003) (and also, not uncoincidentally considering the final scene of this outing, Our Eleanor, 2005), mixes history with humor as the great man dispenses aphorisms and reminiscences through diverse misadventures, all of which end well, before vanishing at last. Following a closing, sequel-cueing kicker (see above) she then separates facts from fancies in closing notes, with print and online leads to more of the former. To go with spot illustrations of the evidently all-white cast throughout the narrative, Fearing incorporates change-of-pace sets of sequential panels for Franklin's biographical and scientific anecdotes. Final illustrations not seen. It's not the first time old Ben has paid our times a call, but it's funny and free-spirited, with an informational load that adds flavor without weight. (Graphic/fantasy hybrid. 9-11) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
