Star-Spangled: The Story of a Flag, a Battle, and the American Anthem

by Tim Grove

Overview

The inspiring story behind the national anthem and the American flag comes alive in this “page-turning narrative [with] generous archival illustrations” (Kirkus, starred review).

 

“O say can you see” begins one of the most recognizable songs in the US. Originally a poem by Francis Scott Key, the national anthem tells the story of the American flag rising high above a fort after a night of intense battle during the War of 1812. But there is much more to the story than what is sung at ball games.

What was this battle about? Whose bombs were bursting, and why were rockets glaring? Who sewed those broad stripes and bright stars? Why were free black soldiers fighting on both sides? Who was Francis Scott Key anyway, and how did he have such a close view? 

An illustrated history for young readers, Star-Spangled tells the whole story from the perspectives of different key figures—both American and British—of this obscure but important battle. The book includes an author’s note, a timeline, a glossary, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.

A Kirkus Best Book of 2020

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683358527
Publisher:	ABRAMS, Inc.
Publication date:	04/12/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	22 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	1 - 12 Years

About the Author

Tim Grove has written several books for young readers, including First Flight Around the World, a YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction finalist. He was formerly chief of museum learning at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Visit timgrove.net.

Editorial Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
“Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas… Generous archival illustrations and the rich and varied backmatter make this a boon for fledgling historians. A well-researched and spirited slice of history.”—Kirkus Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
“Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas… Generous archival illustrations and the rich and varied backmatter make this a boon for fledgling historians. A well-researched and spirited slice of history.”—Kirkus Reviews

"Beautiful full-color photographs and artwork bring this story to life. . . This is a great addition to collections where American history is a hot item." —School Library Journal

"Beautiful full-color photographs and artwork bring this story to life. . . This is a great addition to collections where American history is a hot item." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

01/01/2020

Gr 7 Up—The National Anthem is a well-recognized song across the United States, but many people may not know the story of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Congress declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812. In 1813, flag-maker and Baltimore resident Mary Pickersgill was asked to make two flags to hang at Fort McHenry. The narrative, which takes place during the War of 1812, describes how poet Francis Scott Key found inspiration while watching the Battle of Baltimore. While it took more than 100 years for "The Star-Spangled Banner" to officially be adopted as the national anthem, Baltimore took great pride in defending Fort McHenry under the 15-star, 15-striped flag. Stories of American business owners like Pickersgill and shipbuilder Thomas Kemp, who squared off against Admiral George Cockburn and his Royal Navy, will have readers cheering for the United States and caught up in the city's battle preparations. Quick chapters introduce a colorful array of people from Britain and the United States, including those who were enslaved and those who were free. Beautiful full-color photographs and artwork bring this story to life. End matter includes a full bibliography, a glossary, a list of places to visit, and an epilogue to find out what happened to key characters after the battle. VERDICT This is a great addition to collections where American history is a hot item.—Stephanie Wilkes, Good Hope Middle School, West Monroe, LA

School Library Journal

★ 2020-01-26
An in-depth look at the events that led to the connected stories of the United States flag, the national anthem, and an important military victory.

The United States was a vulnerable young nation when the War of 1812 plunged it into conflict with Great Britain. The British navy targeted the Chesapeake Bay and the city of Baltimore for attack, both for its proximity to Washington and the shipbuilding that occurred there. Grove provides comprehensive background about both nations’ underlying military strategy. The actual story about the commission of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry is explored in great detail, as is the confluence of events that found Maryland-born attorney Francis Scott Key on a ship during battle, the aftermath of which inspired him to write the words that became the national anthem. Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas. He paints a full picture of Key’s attitudes toward slavery as well as of Mary Pickersgill and how she came to take on the task of making a somewhat unusual flag. In addition to details about shipbuilding and military planning, he weaves in the role of enslaved fighters who ran away to the British, who promised freedom, forming the Colonial Marines. Generous archival illustrations and the rich and varied backmatter make this a boon for fledgling historians.

A well-researched and spirited slice of history. (Nonfiction. 10-13)

Kirkus Reviews