McElligott, Matthew.
BENJAMIN FRANKLINSTEIN LIVES
New York : Putnam's, 2010
IL 3-6, RL 4.4
ISBN 0399252290

(2 booktalks)

In 1790 Benjamin Franklin died. 
Or did he? 
Working with a secret team of scientists, Franklin found a way to cheat death … sort of. Franklin has spent the last 200 years in suspended animation in a sub basement in Philadelphia. 
A chance lightning strike (of course), reanimates Ben, and he finds himself in the apartment building of science nerd Victor Godwin. Victor must not only help him adjust to the modern world but also help him overcome a slight flaw: the reawakened Ben Franklin needs a particular amount of energy to keep going - too little and he's a zombie looking for electricity instead of brains. Too much and he becomes a rampaging monster. Just the right amount, fun with Ben Franklin in the 21st Century! All this while trying to take first place in the school science fair. With one of history's preeminent scientists helping out, what possibly could go wrong?  (Booktalk written by Sara Zoe Patterson-GSF Committee/ New Franklin School)

Booktalk #2

What do potatoes, exploding volcanoes, and a 200 year-old inventor have in common?  Just ask Victor.   Middle school student Victor is determined to win this year’s science fair, so he carefully analyzes and determines the best paths to follow.  But his well-ordered life and plan are jolted when he discovers a secret basement in his house that leads to an electrifying discovery!  None other than THE Benjamin Franklin is alive and well…with some slight modifications such as bolts in his neck and ripples of blue static that shimmer from his fingers.  Join Victor and Ben as they race around Philadelphia sending shock-waves everywhere they go!  (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards Program Booktalks 2012-2013)