Silence Dogood
Close Read Passage, 622 words, Biography (nonfiction), Sequence, Level Z2 (Grade 6), Lexile 950L
At twelve, Ben Franklin became an apprentice for his brother James in his print shop. In 1721, James started one of Boston's first newspapers. Ben wanted to write for the paper, but James wouldn't let him. Then letters started to mysteriously appear at the door of the paper. They were written by Silence Dogood, a middle-aged widow. James published the letters, which were well-received. One day, Ben admitted to being the writer of the letters. James was angry at being tricked, and Ben moved to Philadelphia. He worked hard to improve the city and became a leader of the fight against British rule.
