Lewis’ exploration of Benjamin Banneker offers an engaging narrative that should be part of required reading for young audiences. It highlights the life and contributions of a notable early American scientist who was African American, providing a lens into a pivotal figure of American history. Through Lewis' skillful storytelling, historical events are interwoven seamlessly, presenting a biography that not only informs but also enriches the understanding of American history. This approach makes the book an excellent candidate for supplemental reading material in educational settings, especially in American history courses.

However, the book's subtitle, The Man Who Saved Washington, introduces a potential misconception about Banneker’s role in the development of the federal city. While it suggests he played a crucial part in its preservation, other scholars, such as Silvio Bedini from the Smithsonian Institution, offer a more tempered view. According to Bedini’s research, Banneker’s involvement was limited to accompanying Major Andrew Ellicott to Washington, D.C., when Ellicott was appointed to the federal city's surveying team. The historical record does not indicate that Banneker held an official appointment to the commission or survey team; instead, he assisted Ellicott in his duties. This aspect of Banneker’s contribution, though significant, might not fully align with the grandiose implications of the subtitle.