Ben Franklin Thinks BigBy: Sheila Keenan Illustrator: Gustavo Mazali Series: I Can Read Level 2 The life of Ben Franklin, a key leader in the founding of the United States, is introduced in this early reader biography. Ben Franklin was a famous inventor, statesman, and writer who helped the thirteen colonies become the United States. From inventing the lightning rod to helping write the Declaration of Independence, his big ideas had a lasting impact on American history.