Story of the Star-Spangled Banner

(Paperback)

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Description

Discusses the events leading up to the Battle of Fort McHenry and Francis Scott Key's writing of the Star-Spangled Banner, and later how it became our national anthem. Written in graphic-novel format.

Reviews

This graphic history book tells the dramatic and fascinating story of how Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem, "The Defence of Fort McHenry," and how it became America's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Basic facts are presented in rectangular boxes. Dialogue boxes allow for further information with actual quotes presented in balloons with yellow backgrounds. The quote sources and the pages on which they appear are listed after the CIP information. Readers will learn about the War of 1812, why Key happened to be on the British ship the day before the British attacked Fort McHenry, and the flag sewn by Mary Pickersgill, which was his inspiration. The words, but not the tune for "The Star-Spangled Banner" are included. The full-color illustrations complement the text and will help readers understand the importance of this symbol of liberty. It is evident that much thought has gone into the design of this "Graphic Library" series. Short sentences with controlled vocabulary in combination with the format make this appropriate for older reluctant readers as well as younger readers just beyond the beginning reader stage. Two pages more of information are found at the back of the book. Back matter includes a glossary; a list of several books for the reader who wants to learn more about the flag and the song; a code to connect with "FactHound," which connects the reader with appropriate Internet sites; an index; and a bibliography.-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database"