Smith, Lane. John, Paul, George & Ben. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2006. ISBN: 0786848936.
Author Website: http://www.lanesmithbooks.com/
Media: pen and ink with collage elements and photographs combined digitally.
Awards and Honors: Horn Book Fanfare List, 2006.
California Young Reader Medal, Best Picture Book for Older Readers, 2010.
Curricular Connection: California State Standards for Grade Five,
5.5: Students explain the causes of the American Revolution, 4. Describe the views, lives, and impact of key individuals during this
period (e.g., King George III, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George
Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams).
Annotation: A humorous re-imagining of the boyhoods of the Founding Fathers John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
Personal Reaction: Lane’s clever book about The Beatles, or rather, our Founding Fathers, is full of fun facts about Paul Revere, John Hancock, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. It’s a great reminder that what may seem like an annoying habit or behavior might just turn out to be an asset one day. Lane plays up the childhood antics of each historical figure and then shares how it worked out for each quite well during the whole American Revolution business. Young John annoys the teacher with his boldness, young Paul's loudness is infamous, young George has a penchant for lying, Ben's smart mouth gives him a reputation as a know-it-all, and Tom is a little too independent for his own good. This book may seem like a fun picture book for the younger set because the illustrations are very appealing, but it is geared toward older students studying American history. Smith takes liberties with the truth for comic effect, but sets the records straight in "Ye Olde True or False Section" at the back of the book.
