Gr 3–7—A mysterious contraption from the past ends up on Nolan's doorstep and zaps founding father Ben Franklin into his kitchen. Narrator Malcolm Campbell expertly voices young Nolan as he deals with his visitor, a nosy neighbor, and his mermaid-loving little sister, Olive. Campbell takes Nolan from frustrated to furious to amused and much more, changing from higher and lower pitches to convey the characters' changing emotions. He also does a convincing Ben Franklin and even Nolan's rambunctious little sister is realistically captured. Listeners will be cheering Nolan, Ben, and Olive as they have a day filled with adventure and learning. Fleming's descriptive text, including a hilarious scene where Mr. Franklin teaches a pool full of parents and kids "stunt swimming," truly comes to life on audio.
VERDICT Fleming fills the story with fascinating Franklin facts, making it perfect for family or classroom listening. The ending hints at more adventures in history for Nolan and Olive.
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