John+Paul+George+Ben

Smith, L. (2006). //John, Paul, George, & Ben.// New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.


 * Summary:** Have you ever wondered what the Founding Fathers were like as kids? That is exactly what this book looks at... Who was Ben Franklin as a child? Did John Hancock always write that big? Lane Smith does an amazing job hypothesizing what these men were like as kids and how they ended up leading our country.


 * Grade Level:** 1-3
 * Reading Level:** 3.7


 * Curriculum Connection:** This book would make a great introduction to the fifth grade Founding Our Nation unit. It presents the Founding Fathers in a way that clearly depicts their personalities and what they may have been like as children, but then also gives a quick bio about them as adults.


 * Student's Personal Literature Selection:** This text is ideal for students who like to know those random facts that may or may not matter in the grand scheme of things. It would also be a good option for students who like Smith's other work, particularly pieces from Smith and John Scieszka, such as //The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Tales.//

With humor both broad and sly, Smith introduces the titular fab four (Hancock, Revere, Washington, and Franklin) as well as a fifth lad from the colonies, Tom (Jefferson), by defining each through a single trait and reinforcing that attribute with both historical references and funny fictional events. Back matter (titled "Taking Liberties") informs readers what's true and false in the book.
 * Horn Book Magazine 2006: (from Mackin)**