History Pals series
written by Candace Fleming
illustrated by Mark Fearing

About the book

History meets hijinks in this first title in a hilarious new middle grade series when Ben Franklin accidentally time travels to a 10-year-old's home in 21st century America!

Nolan is a typical kid living in a typical 21st century American town. Ben Franklin is, well, Ben Franklin—Founding Father, inventor of the lightning rod and bifocals, and more. When, through a bizarre set of circumstances, Nolan and his little sister, Olive, find Ben in their house, chaos isn't far behind.

From introducing him to the toaster to taking him to the public library (another Ben invention) to preventing a nosy neighbor from blowing Ben's cover, Nolan does his best to be Ben's tour guide to the new world he helped form.

With tons of funny illustrations throughout—plus graphic novel-style sections interspersed—readers will love adventuring alongside this awesome threesome.

Resources
Podcast interview with Travis Jonker on The Yarn

Honors and Awards
Amazon Best of the Year 2017 (Ages 6-8)
Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award nominee for grades 3-5, 2019-2020.

What readers have said

“What a smart, funny, action-adventure! This is bursting with great heart, fascinating history, and Ben Franklin’s stinky feet. I want more, more, more of this series.”

—Jon Scieszka, author of the Frank Einstein series

“This book is absolutely electric—inventive, funny, and fascinating! Ben Franklin himself would approve!”

—Lincoln Peirce, author of the Big Nate series

“This story is hilarious and heartfelt. Ben Franklin is the kind of friend any kid would like hanging out with—farts and all!”

—Jeffrey Brown, author of the Lucy & Andy Neanderthal series