Young Ben Franklin
By Robert Yaniz Jr.,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Period-piece adventure pod explores history; kids in peril.
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What’s It About?
YOUNG BEN FRANKLIN aims to put the teenage life of real-life Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, in a new context. Narrated by older Franklin, he tells stories of his adventures as a young teen boy in colonial Boston. Already possessing the sharp mind he'd later become known for, Ben and other young characters – such as runaway Eliza – dodge trouble as they inch closer to a legendary treasure, putting them on a collision course with the British governor of Massachusetts.
Is It Any Good?
Interesting idea, but lacking execution. Young Ben Franklin presents a historical adventure from a child's perspective, but doesn't take full advantage of that novel approach or present a compelling enough story to hook listeners. The podcast does boldly show how society didn't take much care in dealing with children in that time period, as the lead characters must scrape by to survive an oppressive world. And Ben Franklin's status as a seeker of truth and justice as well as an independent thinker makes him a strong role model for young listeners. In that respect, perhaps the show is a strong introduction to the real-life historic figure. Some young listeners might find the story too dry to get into, while the period setting and accompanying language could be off-putting to older kid and teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Young Ben Franklin takes listeners to another period in history. How drastically have things changed for kids their age since the show's setting, for better and for worse?
Young Ben Franklin sees the pod's hero break a ton of rules in the interest of truth and justice. Even though children are often taught to respect and obey authority, does young Ben serve as a good role model? Why?
Despite its historical setting, Young Ben Franklin doesn't actually teach listeners many specifics about American history. Why might the show still benefit from such a focus? Can it be confusing to use a real-life historical figure as a fictional character?
Podcast Details
- Release date: July 4, 2018
- Genre: Adventure
- Average Run Time: 20 minutes
- Website: https://gzmshows.com/shows/listing/young-ben-franklin/
- Host: N/A
- Production Companies and Networks: Gen-Z Media , Wondery
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Adventures , Friendship , History
- Last updated: October 18, 2023
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