How Benjamin Franklin Became a Revolutionary in Seven (Not-So-Easy) Steps

Written by Gretchen Woelfle and John O'Brien

Narrated by Jonathan Todd Ross

Benjamin Franklin was a proud citizen of America all his life. And a proud subject of the British Empire. Until he wasn’t.

Under British rule Franklin prospered as a printer, newspaper publisher, and writer.
• He served in the Pennsylvania Assembly that made laws for the colony.
• He led campaigns to build the first college, library, hospital, and fire department for Philadelphians.
• He even proposed a closer political union of Britain and its American colonies to create a stronger Empire.

But when the British Parliament began chipping away at the colonies’ rights to govern themselves, Americans rebelled. At first Franklin used all his wit and wisdom to patch up the quarrel. When that failed, his dream of a stronger Empire died.

But a new dream was born—an independent America.

Gretchen Woelfle uses Franklin’s witty and wise words to portray Benjamin Franklin’s long winding road to revolution.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798891781290

Gretchen Woelfle

Gretchen Woelfle began writing for children by turning family history into short stories and has gone on to publish award-winning picture books, middle grade nonfiction, biographies, and historical fiction including The Wind at Work, Katje the Windmill Cat, and All the World's A Stage: A Novel in Five Acts. She is now focusing on biographies of unsung women in American history: Jeannette Rankin: Political Pioneer; Write on, Mercy! The Secret Life of Mercy Otis Warren; and Mumbet's Declaration of Independence. Visit Gretchen online at gretchenwoelfle.com.