Shows how Benjamin Franklin, inventor, writer and scientist, created a puzzle called the magic square to keep from being bored while serving as clerk for the Pennsylvania Assembly. Includes step-by-step instructions for creating your own magic squares.

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I really enjoyed this book, Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares by Frank Murphy, for two reasons. First, the organization of the story was very well thought out. The story started by providing background information on Ben Franklin beginning when he was just seven years old and continued through his adulthood. The story shared Ben's inventions as he got older. Half way through the story when Ben was asked to be the clerk in the assembly, the author shared what he believed Ben did when he was bored during the meetings. The author described how Ben went about creating the Magic Square. Finally, the book ended with a step-by-step guide of how the reader can make their own Magic Square. The author also put difficult words in italics and provided the reader with the definition to ensure they would understand what was occurring. Second, I am glad the author showed that not everything Ben created was successful and that it is okay to make mistakes. For example, Ben created a chair with a fan on top, unfortunately it ended up hitting Ben in the head every time he sat down, so this invention was never created. Also, when Ben was thinking of how to create the Magic Square the reader can look at the illustrations and see a bunch of paper crumpled on the floor depicting times he was unsuccessful. This story teaches the readers that they should share their ideas as it could be used to create a new item. It is important for readers to think outside the box and be unique. Students can also learn from Ben Franklin that success will not come without some failure. ( )

Ben Franklin was an important figure in American history. He invented many innovative creations in his lifetime, some of which are still used today. Ben was very smart and was an excellent writer, so the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly asked him to take notes on their meetings. One day, he got sidetracked and discovered the magic squares. ( )

In the book, "Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares" is about the historic life of Ben Franklin and the inventions he did. Through all his inventions, this book focuses on the magic box. Throughout the book it shares adding numbers that the magic box has and how numbers line up. I like this book because it shares different ways teachers and kids can teach and learn about Ben.
This book would bring fun activities to any classroom. We can have a week where we learn about Ben and do some of his inventions in class, this would incorporate history and science together. We could also do an experiment to text one of Ben's theories. The students could also do a timeline of events happening in Ben's life and other events happening.