I am Benjamin Franklin

Hey, Kids! I am Benjamin Franklin, one of the most important and influential Founding Fathers of the United States of America.

I am sometimes referred to as the "First American". I am a multitalented person who excelled in many areas including science, politics, writing, music, invention, and diplomacy.

I was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. My father was a chandler (one who makes candles and soap). I had many brothers and sisters and was the youngest boy in the family. But I had very little formal education. At the age of 10, I was forced to leave school in order to work with my dad. A few years later, I became a printer's apprentice for my brother James. Although I was denied a traditional education, I loved to read and became quite knowledgeable over the years by reading lots of books.