America's Flag Story

by Karen S. Robbins, J. James (Illustrator)

Overview

The American flag waves in reverence for many—for the immigrants who came and built a nation with hard work and ingenuity and for all who continue to defend and serve our nation. The verse and artwork resonate with the symbolism that represents the very characteristics of our nation and offers young readers a clear understanding of how one part of our country says so much. The flag represents the freedom, the endurance, and the indomitable courage that makes America the home of the free and brave.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764359217
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	03/28/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	610,593
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	720L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Karen Robbins is an award-winning children's author with more than 300,000 copies of books in print. She grew up in a patriotic family with her father and brother, who served in the U.S.M.C. Karen co-authored the adult book, Flags Across America, and the children's Think! series. She lives in Gig Harbor, Washington where she writes, crafts, and designs books and toys for children.

Jeff James has over a decade of experience illustrating, producing award-winning packaging, and designing exhibits for retail and museum displays. In 2009, after moving to Seattle, he earned recognition from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. He lives near New York City with his wife and daughter.

Editorial Reviews

2019-11-24
An introduction to the Stars and Stripes for younger readers.

This brief, rhyming history of our flag purports to explain its history and significance as a symbol of the United States. Its worthy goals seem to be stirring and engendering respect for the flag. However, the book's rambling, unfocused narrative and inconsistent, clunky, stumbling rhythms likely won't capture children's attention or interest and may even confuse them. The book also perpetuates the myth of Betsy Ross (whose surname isn't mentioned) as our flag's progenitor. Positives include a mention of immigrants; an explanation of the symbolism of each of the flag's colors; and excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Pledge of Allegiance. Additionally, the backmatter features examples of U.S. flags from 1775 to 1960; rules of basic flag etiquette; and highly useful instructional guides to folding the flag and cutting stars. The very colorful illustrations far outshine the text and, indeed, are stirring, respectful, and thoughtful. Fort Sumter is juxtaposed with the Lincoln Memorial; a grizzled, brown-skinned veteran kneels at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. Americans appear with diverse skin tones (one woman wears a hijab); some are depicted as if in old photos. One interesting page shows several states and the Indigenous words their names are derived from (though the original languages are not consistently identified).

You may salute this, but, except for the illustrations, this banner doesn't fly high. (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews