In this lively offering from the Step into Reading + Math series, young readers will learn about both Benjamin Franklin and magic squares--square grids of numerals in which all the numbers in any vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row adds up to the same sum. The text introduces Franklin as a smart, curious kid whose ideas led him to inventing cool things; as a witty, intelligent man whose ideas were the seeds of America's first library, fire station, and hospital; and as a super busy guy who amused himself during meetings of the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly by creating magic squares. An appended section offers step-by-step directions for those who want to construct their own versions of the mathematical puzzle. The engaging, informal style of the writing and the colorful, cartoonlike illustrations make this a playful but solid choice for introducing young readers to Franklin and to magic squares.

Juliet Bradshaw's brother, a guerrilla Confederate fighter, is the only family she has left. Incarcerated with other sisters and wives of soldiers, Juliet survives her prison building's collapse, which kills almost everyone. Rinaldi's impassioned characters will sustain readers' interest, though some of the portrayals are sanitized or overly sentimentalized. An author's note explains the real events on which the story is based. Bib.