Celebrate Flag Day, 2006
The following reviews were presented in our 2006 Flag day feature.
Reviews
Flag Day
Kelly Bennett
The "Rookie Reader" series includes more than two-dozen "Rookie Read-About Holiday" books. The text opens with a picture of kids walking with the flag and a suggestion to sing "Happy Birthday" to the flag. A brief history of how the United States came to be and the variety of flags that were flown during the Revolutionary War led to the call for a flag that all Americans would fly. On June 14, 1777 the first national flag was chosen. It had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes to represent the original colonies. Over the years the flag changed until it achieved its current form: thirteen stripes and one star for each state. Young readers will learn the proper etiquette for handling a flag, flying it and for saying The Pledge of Allegiance (which is not reprinted in this book) Full-color illustrations are found on each spread. There is a picture glossary entitled "Words You Know" An index and a very brief mention of the author. 2003, Children's Press/Scholastic, Ages 5 to 7, $19.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-516-22862-5
ISBN: 0-516-27755-3
Flag Day
Jason Cooper
On the opening page readers learn that the first official U. S. flag was created on June 14, 1777. The early flags did not look like the flag that we see today because Congress did not specify how it was to be arranged. There are plenty of interesting facts-for example, the flag that flew over Fort McHenry that inspired the Star Spangled Banner, our National Anthem, had fifteen stripes. In 1818 Congress set the pattern for the flag. It would have thirteen stripes to represent the original colonies and one star for each state. The most recent additions were Hawaii and Alaska in 1959. Flag Day was the out growth of an idea of Bernard J. Cigrand of Wisconsin, however it was not until almost 65 years later that President Wilson made Flag Day a National Celebration and in 1949 President Truman made June 14th Flag Day in the U.S. The book has a table of contents, glossary, index and book and web references as well as a brief blurb about the author. It contains, color and black-and-white picture plus reproductions and is more informative than Flag Day by Kelly Bennett (Children's Press) and another book with the same title by Mari C. Schuh (Capstone Press). 2003, Rourke, Ages 6 to 8, $19.27. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-58952-219-2
Flag Day
Mari C. Schuh
The books in the "National Holidays" series follow the same general format. There is an opening note to parents and teachers that states, "This series supports national social studies standards related to understanding events that celebrate the values and principles of American democracy." Even though this book is meant for very young readers it is set up along the lines of books that older students would use for research and reference. It has a table of contents, glossary entitled "Words to Know, references that include both books and Internet sites, and an index that also serves as a word list. The text consists of simple declarative sentences accompanied by full-page illustration, which are in most cases photographs. It tells readers that Flag Day honors the flag of the United States, and it is celebrated on the 14th of June. In 1949 it became a national holiday. The balance of the text discusses ways that the holiday is celebrated noting that for most, it is a day to learn about our flag, to display it and to recite the Pledge of Allegiance (which is printed in an inset box). 2003, Pebble Books/CapstonePress, Ages 5 to 7, $14.60. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7368-1652-6
The American Flag
The American Flag
Joseph Ferry
The American flag has always been a symbol of freedom and democracy. This comprehensive and informative book provides an understanding of the importance of national symbols and the origins of flags in this country, beginning with the symbols the Native Americans used to identify their tribes. The controversy surrounding the creation of the first American flag is impartially discussed. Many historians doubt the story of Betsy Ross's involvement and certain evidence indicates that a New Jersey congressman named Francis Hopkinson most likely designed the first flag of the United States. Regardless of who is responsible, the American flag still stirs strong emotions both domestically and around the world. This book provides an interesting and objective history of one of our great national treasures. The numerous colorful pictures in the book add to its appeal. A timeline, glossary, and index, as well as recommended sources for additional reading are provided at the end. This book is part of the "American Symbols and Their Meanings" series. 2003, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 9 up, $18.95. Reviewer: Denise Daley
ISBN: 1590840267
The American Flag
Susan H. Gray
The American flag did not always have stars and stripes. When the colonists were beginning to struggle for independence, their flags had snakes and pine trees as signs of freedom. George Washington's flag kept the British flag in one corner with 13 stripes for the thirteen colonies. Each page features a picture of one of America's historical flags used or their makers. Due to the universality of the Betsy Ross connection to the flag, more attention could have been paid to this story than simply "Betsy Ross liked to sew...George Washington may have asked Betsy Ross to make a flag for the new country." If nothing else this could have been an opportunity to mention the difficulty of documenting and proving historical legends. There is not as much variety in the photos or trivia as in some of the other books in this series, but it does address the major facts about the history of the flag, how it should be treated, and what flags mean to people. Other books in the Compass Point "Let's See" series cover the different branches of government as well as monuments and national parks. The series has both a social studies and a reading education adviser. Each title includes a three or four word glossary, an index, additional resources and a "did you know" section of fun facts. Some of the books touch on subjects that are of natural interest to children--the White House, the flag and the Statue of Liberty--others provide simple explanations of the most important elements of American democracy such as voting and elections, the Presidency, Congress. The series would be an excellent addition to a classroom or school library for browsing, first-time research, or use by older readers who need a simplified rendition of major American concepts and symbols. 2002, Compass Point Books, Ages 6 to 12, $18.60. Reviewer: Karen Leggett
ISBN: 0756501407
The American Flag
Debra Hess
The American flag flies over every school, atop our government buildings and even on the moon! But where did it come from? And how did it come to look the way it does? In this addition to the "Symbols of America" series, Hess dispels myths, educates readers on flag etiquette and chronicles the history of the Stars and Stripes. Although the Betsy Ross story is widely known, readers will learn that this story is in fact only a story. Many people submitted designs for a flag for the new country in the 1780s, but Francis Hopkinson is credited with the stars and stripes design we have today. As our country has grown, so has the flag. And more than 150 years after Hopkinson proposed his design, a student in Ohio helped create the 50 star design we fly today. This book both inspires and educates, helping young readers gain a greater appreciation of the history and symbolism of our nation's flag. A list of Web sites and books for further exploration, along with interesting "Did You Know?" sidebars expands the narration. 2003, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $17.95, Ages 8 to 12.
Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7614-1709-5
The American Flag
Debbie L. Yanuck
According to the publisher, "The American Symbols" series explores the places and things that symbolize freedom and democracy in the United States and the series explores and supports standards under "The History of the United States," as required by the National Center for History in the Schools. The books follow a good pattern. There is a table of contents, a fast facts page, the text and a timeline, hands-on activity, words to know with a pronunciation guide and a listing of books and web sites. Actually, the publisher has set it up so that kids go to their site and type in the ISBN number, title or keyword from the book and the "Fact Hound" will bring back appropriate information. When I tried that for this book three sites came up--one is a poem "I am the Flag;" another shows all the flag variations and has information about Betsy Ross, and a site that gives a history of the flag and lets you play The Star Spangled Banner. The American flag is a striking symbol and it current form with thirteen stripes for the original colonies and a star for each state is familiar to most of us. No one knows who designed the first flag and interestingly this book states, "Most historians believe that Francis Hopkinson designed the first flag. He was a member of Congress from New Jersey." The book is well laid out with just enough facts to hold kids attention. Each colorful spread has a photograph or reproduction showing the various flags and especially the familiar one of today. A useful and informative book for classrooms and libraries even without the web links. 2003, Capstone, Ages 5 to 8, $18.60. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7368-1628-3
F Is For Flag
Wendy Cheyette Lewison
Illustrated by Barbara Duke
With a bright, conversational tone, Lewison takes readers through the many aspects of the American Flag--where it is displayed, what it stands for, its origins, its nicknames, and how we respect it. The illustrations are colorful and accessible, and a sense of patriotism and Americana are present throughout. Multiple cultures are shown while the text and pictures both emphasize that we are one big family. This is a great way to introduce young readers to our flag and all the meaning that stands behind it. The book states that Betsy Ross may not have been the one who made the first flag, scoring several points for historical accuracy. 2002, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 6 to 8, $3.49. Reviewer: Carey Ahr
ISBN: 0448428385
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols
James Cross Giblin
Illustrated by Ursula Arndt
As we gaze up at the red, white and blue fireworks overhead this 4th of July, it is an appropriate time to reflect upon this great nation and the freedom we enjoy. In his book, Giblin provides us with just such an opportunity by taking us back in time to the days leading up to and following the first 4th of July and the men and women who made it possible. Like the freedom we have come to expect, we also anticipate certain happenings and symbolism on the day we celebrate our independence. Giblin gives us fascinating details about the origins of such traditions. He follows the growth of our nation and its reflection in our flag. We learn of the first fireworks displays and follow their technological progress. We discover the stories behind the paintings that have inspired spirit and the music that has reflected America's patriotism over the centuries. President Lincoln once said of the Declaration of Independence that it "gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all of the world for all future time." In this book, Giblin and Arndt remind us that liberty is not something we should take for granted, but something we should take the opportunity to savor. 2001, Clarion Books, Ages 9 to 14, $7.95. Reviewer: Leslie Verzi Julian
ISBN: 0-618-09654-X
A Flag for All
Larry Dane Brimner
Illustrated by Christine Tripp
As the first words of the book exclaim, "This book is about patriotism." The Corner Kids - Alex, Three J and Gabby - are in the library working on their assignment for Flag Day: present the meaning of the American Flag. Realizing the flag means different things to different people, the three friends decide to ask people in their community what the flag means to them. From their librarian to the doorman at Three J's building, the kids realize how much the flag symbolizes. But how to celebrate a symbol with so many meanings? Gabby's solution will leave kids smiling in this creative and basic introduction to the American Flag. 2002, Children's Press, Ages 6 to 8, $19.00. Reviewer: Katie Preissner
ISBN: 0-516-22544-8
The Flag Maker
Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Illustrated by Clare A. Nivola
In a narrative account of the making of the flag upon which Frances Scott Key based "The Star Spangled Banner," Bartoletti has given life to a 12-year-old girl, Caroline Pickersgill and her mother, Mary, who sewed the huge flag. Commissioned by Fort McHenry military so that it could be seen at a distance, the flag took the efforts of the two plus grandmother and cousins, a house servant, and a slave, before it could be completed six weeks later. While the flag-makers continued their trade, this flag flew at the mouth of the Baltimore harbor and stood throughout a September siege following the British burning of Washington. While Caroline watches many nights to see that the flag was still there, an author's note states what's true and what's imagined: no one knows, for instance, if Caroline could see the flag from her house, and it is not clear who sewed on the flag, but it is likely the whole household was involved. In addition to this note, six flag facts include the all-important dimensions, plus notes on the refurbishing of the once tattered flag. Nivola's watercolor and gouache illustrations create accurate and uncluttered city settings and some indicators of Baltimore daily life in the early 1800s. Intimate interiors, the vast malt house floor where the final sewing of the stars and stripes took place, and the sweep of the harbor all provide visual drama. The book is just right for fourth and fifth grade American history studies but it stands on its own, too, as a look at women's entrepreneurial lives at the time. 2004, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 7 to 11, $16.00.
Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-618-26757-3
The Fragile Flag
Jane Langton
Part of Langton's "Hall Family Chronicles," which gained inspiration from its Concord, Massachusetts, setting (also the setting of Langton's adult mysteries), this episode is obviously being reissued on the back of 9/ll. The curious story was written at the tail end of the Cold War era and is not inappropriate for our current political climate. Shy, spindly, nine-year-old Georgie finds an old American flag in her family's attic. She bonds with it and determines to march from Concord to Washington to present it to the president in hopes of stopping his plans for a "Star Wars" type bomb which the president is hyping through his own newly designed flag--a glittering, kitschy version of Old Glory. Georgie's personal crusade soon expands into a band of thousands of children marching down the littered, exhaust-ridden ribbon of Route 1. The end result is an allegory overlaid with touches of fantasy. But, as with all of Langton's works, it's interesting. 2002 (orig. 1984), HarperTrophy, Ages 10 up, $5.95. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
ISBN: 0-06-440311-4
Francis Scott Key and "The Star Spangled Banner"
Lynea Bowdish
Illustrated by Harry Burman
Using simple language and sentence structure, Bowdish recounts Key's attempt to have the British release his friend, Dr. Beanes, who was being held prisoner on a boat in Baltimore's harbor. The British agreed to let them both go, but not until after the imminent battle. Watching from a small ship through the night, Key was overcome with emotion when he saw the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry in the morning. He penned his now famous poem, recording his thoughts and feelings. The poem was later set to music and adopted as our National Anthem in 1931. The text, while factual, reads almost like an easy-to-read book. Bowdish's short sentences and repetitive sentence structure do not capture the drama of this event. Likewise, Burman's Impressionistic paintings do not convey Key's fear, tension, or excitement. The expression on Key's face barely changes throughout the book, with the exceptions being the paintings depicting his seeing the flag still waving and his writing the poem. In a few scenes, Burman has made some of the people faceless, which might disturb some children. This is a serviceable, but flat, introduction to the writing of our National Anthem for young children. 2002, Mondo, Ages 5 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Peg Glisson
ISBN: 1-59034-195-3
From Cloth to American Flag
Melanie Mitchell
Photographs by Lynn Stone
The creation of an American flag is explored in this book from the "Start to Finish" series. The book first describes how cloth is made on machines called looms, then dyed in the required colors of red, white, and blue. Next, the book explains the methods used to cut and sew the strips into seven red and six white stripes. The making of the blue square and white stars is then described. The flags are then finished, packaged, and shipped to locations all over the country. A glossary and numerous color photographs of the flag-making process enrich this early learning book about the creation of the American flag. 2004, Lerner, $18.60. Ages 5 to 7.
Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8225-1386-2
Hold the Flag High
Catherine Clinton
Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
During a time of dark animosity, one kind heart shone through the gloom and brought peace to many troubled men. That kindness was demonstrated by Sergeant William H. Carney. This Civil War hero led his troops, an African American regiment, the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth, with pride and determination. With loving protection, he also watched over them day and night. When a young drummer expressed his worries to his fearless mentor, he found the reassurance that if he played his drum and followed the flag, he would not go wrong. Carney encouraged all his troops with the same advice. In the heat of battle, the men followed their beloved leader and the flag. Sadly, though, Carney fell to a Confederate bullet, but he rescued the flag before it touched the ground. This dramatic, nonfiction picture book will contribute personal flavor to a Civil War unit. The actual photograph of the hero, the factual epilogue, and the concluding timeline add to the historical and emotional impact of the story. 2005, Amistad/Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Kara Byrne (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-050429-3
ISBN: 0-06-050428-5
La bandera de estrellas centelleantes: el himno nacional
Catherine A. Welch
Illustraciones por Carrie H. Warwick
This early reader explains how the Star Spangled Banner became our national anthem. Illustrated in muted tones that fit the story perfectly, we learn how young Francis Scott Key, a lawyer by training and poet by choice, penned this most important symbol of our country. In 1814, as he gazed upon the flag and observed the British attack on Fort McHenry, Key created the Star Spangled Banner. The poem was set to music and distributed throughout the young country. The popularity of the Star Spangled Banner ebbed and flowed, but once the Civil War exploded in 1861, patriotism once again helped popularize the song. In 1891 John Philip Sousa, then director of the United States Marine Band, played the Star Spangled Banner throughout the United States at all parades. After being played at the 1918 World Series in Chicago the song became part of baseball forever. At the beginning of the book there is an author's note on Francis Scott Key. The Star Spangled Banner appears in its entirety in the back as well as a reproduction of the flag that hung at Fort McHenry and now resides at the Smithsonian. A very useful book for the curriculum, this is a little history gem in Spanish. 2006 (orig. 2005), Lerner, $23.97 Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: María E. Gentle (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780822531142
ISBN: 0822531143
Meet Our Flag, Old Glory
April Jones Prince
Illustrated by Joan Paley
The cut paper collages in bright colors are a terrific pairing to this ode to the American flag. As the author's copy notes, she was brought home in a red, white and blue blanket as a baby and was inspired to write her story when she saw all the flags at an opening Olympic ceremony. How appropriate that her book should come out in another Olympic year when flags will again be paraded around a stadium and hoisted over the heads of winning athletes. The young children depicted in this picture book are proud of the flag and proud of their country. They see flags at the baseball stadium, flying outside their front doors and recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day at school. The closing pages offer a brief history of the American flag (Old Glory) which is not only interesting, but will make this book useful for older readers working on school reports or just curious about the evolution of our national flag. 2004, Little Brown, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95.
Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-316-73809-3
My Red, White & Blue
Sally Williams Chapin
Illustrated by Michelle Dorenkamp and Shelley Dieterichs
In a very brief text, Chapin credits Betsy Ross with making an American flag at the request of General Washington. She used thirteen stars and stripes to represent the original states and chose the colors because the red represented courage, the white hope, and the blue loyalty. As the number of states increased, the flag changed shape, but it is now thirteen stripes and one star for each state on a field of blue. When the button on the book is pressed it plays our national anthem--The Star-Spangled Banner. The back cover also features The Pledge of Allegiance. 2001, W. J. Fantasy, Ages 3 to 5, $5.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-56021-388-4
Old Glory...An American Treasure
Robert Lang
Illustrated by Susan Winget
As noted in the opening pages, this book was written to rekindle pride in our nation and this paean to the flag is the vehicle. The folk art and text recap a bit of our nation's history from the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the westward expansion, and the tragedy of the Civil War, two World Wars, and other major conflicts. Through it all, the hallmarks of the nation have been pride in the ethnic diversity, resilience, resourcefulness, and a strong work ethic. The author urges readers to appreciate all that we have and to take pride in being an American. Attractively packaged in a slipcase, this book is probably more appropriate as a gift/coffee table item than a school library purchase. 1999, Lang Books, Ages 8 up, $18.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7412-0435-5
Our Flag
Celia Benton
Each of the titles in the "Compass Point Phonic Readers" series follows a standard format. After the table of contents page there is a letter directed to parents or caregivers. It explains the purpose of these early readers which is to teach specific phonic sound and words that kids would normally encounter. The opposing page contains a Mother Goose rhyme, many of which will be known, but some may be more obscure and difficult for kids to relate to, but they do contain the phonic sounds emphasized in the book. The simple text is printed in large type and most of the page is filled with a crisp, clear colorful photograph. The books are available in three levels (A, B, and C) and the complexity increases as you move along in the alphabet with longer sentences, multi-syllabic words and a decrease in rebus support. At the end of each title there is a word list, game that reinforces the learning objective (instructions provided), and a very short bibliography of at least three age appropriate and fairly recent titles that complement and or expand on the focus of the text. There is also an index. Kids will learn about the different parts of our flag and why there are thirteen stripes and fifty stars. Some of the books in this series for the younger readers are more interactive and ask questions about what was seen or learned. Part of the "Compass Point Phonics Readers" series, Set B. 2004, Compass Point, Ages 6 to 7, $13.26.
Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7565-0517-8
Red, White, and Blue
Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton
This is a clever concept: red, white and blue fabric collages depict a young girl's feelings about the American flag. Even the text is shown as embroidered stitches on white felt. Yet while a good deal of feeling seems to be invested in the text, it doesn't really say very much. For example: "I see you, Red, White and Blue, blowing in the breeze, whispering sacrifice, loyalty, pride." It seems doubtful that a preschooler would be able to understand the significance of these concepts without some examples to show what "sacrifice" or "pride" mean within this context. Knowlton provides a silhouette in the background of one collage, showing the U.S. Marines hoisting the flag over Iwo Jima, but one questions whether or not this image will resonate with young children. In the end, this book seems to be more a collection of patriotic slogans than a child's genuine attempt to describe the flag's symbolism. 2002, Pelican Publishing Company, Ages 4 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Barbara Carroll Roberts
ISBN: 1589800559
ISBN: 1589800672
Stars and Stripes: The Story of the American Flag
Sarah L. Thomson
Illustrated by Bob Dacey and Debra Bandelin
Flags, flags, everywhere! Students may well wonder what the flag means and how it came to be. Author Thompson and illustrators Dacey and Bandelin address these questions with a short history of the flag and a chronicle of its changes through the years. Most of the story concentrates on the early development of the flag before and after the Revolutionary War, providing opportunities for bright, bold illustrations of the various banners used before the Stars and Stripes was standardized. Especially effective are the pictures of Washington watching from horseback as a new flag is raised over a log fort, and of Francis Scott Key on a British ship, immersed in his writing while a minuscule American flag can be glimpsed on the shore. Peacetime uses of the flag are also shown; for example, the bright banners snapping behind Olympic athletes and the tiny flag sewn to the sleeve of a rescue worker. The author concludes with the politically neutral message that flags flying now express the faith and hope that Americans have in their country. Some short notes add helpful historical details, and an afterward about Betsy Ross explains that we can't really know who made the first American flag. With its attractive illustrations dominated by a glowing scarlet, this is an appealing, yet factual, book that can help children understand that the current passion for displaying the flag has deep historical roots. 2003, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft
ISBN: 0-06-050416-1
ISBN: 0-06-050417-X
The Star-Spangled Banner
Catherine A. Welch
Illustrations by Carrie H. Warwick
As a Maryland resident, I do know about Francis Scott Key and how he came to write the "Star-Spangled Banner," yet many young readers may not know the story. In clear, straightforward prose, Welch explains a bit of the story leading up to the American Revolution and why Key ended up on a British ship in the Baltimore harbor where he witnessed the attack on Fort McHenry. As a patriotic American, he worried about the fate of those in the fort, surrounding town, and the fledgling country. He started writing a poem ("The Defense of Fort McHenry") on a piece of paper and it was with great relief in the early morning that he saw the American flag still flying over the fort. He then wrote another stanza of his poem. Later, when he reached home, he finished the poem and it was printed and widely distributed. It waxed and waned in popularity until it became a traditional song for Fourth of July celebrations, opening baseball games and the like. Finally, in 1931, it became our national anthem. The entire poem is printed at the end of the book and there is a picture of the flag that flew over the fort that currently resides in the Smithsonian. It is well done, nicely complemented with watercolor illustrations, and a useful book for a social studies or history curriculum. Part of the "On My Own History" series. 2004, Lerner, $23.93 and $5.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1575055902
ISBN: 1575056976
The Story Of The American Flag
Wayne Whipple
Originally published in 1910, this history of the American flag is of interest in its own right as a historical document. In 1910, the United States was an industrial giant with modest colonial holdings. The nation had recently completed a "splendid little war" against Spain and was in an era of prosperity. Immigration into the nation was peaking as new waves of foreigners were sweeping into the country in search of better lives. However, little thought was being given to the gathering threat of war across the sea in Europe, a war that was to engulf the world in a few short years. Placed in its historical context, Whipple's small primer for citizens interested in learning flag trivia and history seems to fit. Taken out of that context and placed ninety years later into the modern age, his prose seems not only antiquated, but trivial. While there are a number of basic facts concerning the evolution of the Stars and Stripes, much of the book is full of saccharine rhetoric. The absorption of the Philippine Islands, which led to a brutal thirty year guerrilla war with local freedom fighters, is described as a liberation of "dusky" people. At a time when African-Americans were being regularly lynched in the South, Whipple describes America as a land of total freedom and kindness. Representative of the textual style of the age of American imperialism, this small book serves as a reminder that historical writing is a product of the spirit of the times in which it was constructed. Even the black and white illustrations bespeak not history, but propaganda and romanticism. This is a book that history teachers may find of value as an example of slanted publications and documents. However, this book is not recommended for any sort of instruction. 2000, Applewood Books, Ages 12 up, $12.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
ISBN: 1-55709-501-9
The Writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Sabrina Crewe and Scott Ingram
This slim chapter book is a fascinating look into the times, events and people of the Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland in 1814. The interesting text is easy on the eyes and is chock-full of colored illustrations and black and white photos of the events and places where history happened. Sidebars also provide a wealth of fascinating facts and quotations taken from diaries, journals and letters. This book part of the series "Events That Shaped America" by Gareth Stevens. Readers discover exactly what the problems were with Britain and why they caused the trouble that led to the attack on Ft. McHenry and the ensuing war. The difficult political issues are explained simply. The Shawnee warrior Tecumseh is profiled and his part in the War of 1812 explained. He led thousands of Native Americans against the United States. While the battle of Ft. McHenry raged, the young lawyer Francis Scott Key was in a boat downstream from the night battle. He was inspired by the sights and sounds of the event to pen the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner." The song became very popular during the Civil War and was adopted by Congress as the National Anthem in 1931. End notes include a timeline, things to think about and do, a glossary, suggestions for further information, and an index. A good resource and a good read-aloud for younger students. 2005, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $18.50. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sue Reichard (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-836-83409-7
The Writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Scott Ingram
More than a national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a testament to the moment when the United States proved that they were indeed an independent country, when the regular army of the United States won a decisive victory over the British. The Battle of Baltimore was intended to be a major battle won by the British during the War of 1812. It was this battle that Francis Scott Key witnessed from a distance while he waited to try and negotiate for a friend's release. While waiting, he listened to the bombardment on Fort McHenry. Sailing for Baltimore the next day, Key saw a large United States flag flying over the fort and was inspired to write a poem marking the event. The poem later became the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner", and in 1931 the song was adopted as the National Anthem. Ingram provides an adequate introduction to the War of 1812, though the title of the book can be misleading as the author focuses more on the War of 1812 than the writing of the poem or its later adoption as the national anthem. Full-color illustrations appear throughout; a glossary, an index, and a timeline of events are also included. Part of the "Landmark Events in American History" series. 2004, World Almanac Library, Ages 10 to 15, $29.26.
Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8368-5390-3
The Pledge of Allegiance
I Pledge Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance: With Commentary
Bill Martin, Jr. and Michael Sampson
Illustrated by Chris Raschka
Bill Martin, Jr. states, "It's a miracle that children can even recite the Pledge of Allegiance with its sophisticated and complex language, yet they jump right in." To help them know what they are saying he and Sampson have defined single words and phrases of the entire text. The history of the pledge, reasons for the colors of the flag, and etiquette while saying the pledge can all be found in the explanations. In discussing the words, "under God" they state, "Many people believe that a democracy is a reflection of how God thinks--every single person is important." Raschka's illustrations are created with ink and torn paper. The people have a childlike, chalkboard retro look that will broaden the appeal to a wider reader age range. The full pledge, without breaks, is included in the back of the book. This book can be used not only to help a child or new immigrant understand the pledge, but also as a discussion starter in social studies classes. 2002, Candlewick Press, Ages 6 to 9, $15.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0763616486
Best Books:
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 2002; Cahners; United States
The Pledge of Allegiance
Marc Tyler Nobleman
According to the publisher "The American Symbols" series explores the places and things that symbolize freedom and democracy in the United States and the series explores and supports standards under "The History of the United States," as required by the National Center for History in the Schools. The books follow a good pattern. There is a table of contents, a fast facts page, the text and a timeline, hands-on activity, words to know with a pronunciation guide and a listing of books and web sites. Actually, the publisher has set it up so that kids go to their site and type in the ISBN number, title or keyword from the book and the "Fact Hound" will bring back appropriate information. When I tried that for this book three sites came up-my first experience with a link that did not work (out of all that I tried that is still a very good hit rate), and two sites with interesting information including a section of the US Code entitled PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS. Kids learn who wrote the pledge, how it has changed twice and when and the proper way to stand and say the pledge. The book is well laid out with just enough facts to hold kids attention. Each colorful spread has a photograph or reproduction of a historical document. A useful and informative book for classrooms and libraries even without the web links. 2003, Capstone, Ages 5 to 8, $18.60. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7368-1631-3
The Pledge of Allegiance
Christine Webster
This volume in Scholastic's "Cornerstones of Freedom" series presents a short history of the Pledge, discusses the meaning of its text, and attempts to define patriotism. After the Civil War, James Upham, writer for a popular children's magazine, believed that feelings of American unity and patriotism needed to be revived. Deciding that the best place to begin was with schoolchildren, who might be more receptive to these ideas than adults might, his first step was to promote the sale of American flags to schools. In 1892 Upham united with Francis Bellamy, a socialist minister, to produce a salute to the flag for Columbus Day celebrations in public schools. Over the years, the pledge came to be accepted, with several changes, as an expression of patriotism by many Americans. Constitutional objections to the pledge are presented briefly in two sidebars without explaining fully why someone might not want to recite the pledge or just how the words, "under God," would violate separation of church and state. The latter part of the book describes the upsurge of interest in flag display and (according to the author, who is Canadian) in the Pledge after September 11, 2001. Teachers and librarians will find this book useful for its historical information, but will want to examine carefully their districts' social studies goals and objectives. If these include the participation of students in full and frank discussion of controversial issues (a true cornerstone of freedom), they will need to assemble much additional material to fulfill that objective. 2003, Children's Press/Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12, $24.00. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft
ISBN: 0-516-22674-6
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Updated 05/16/06
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