At the age of 12, young Benjamin Franklin worked at a print shop. By 15, he had started writing in his brother's newspaper. His funny writing and clever advice became famous all over the colonies. He invented the lightning rod, a new kind of stove, and many other things. When the colonies rebelled against England, Ben helped write the Declaration of Independence and the new Constitution. Illustrations. Accelerated Reader: Reading Level 3.3, 1 Point.