Francis Scott Key (First Book) [Library Binding]

Melissa Whitcraft (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6?An excellent introductory biography of the man who authored our national anthem. Whitcraft chronicles Key's life, from his birth on a Maryland plantation until his death, including the events surrounding the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." This readable volume is well illustrated with full-color reproductions and photographs and is ideal for reports or recreational reading. The full text of Key's poem and a good index are appended; the quotations are not documented.?Margaret B. Rafferty, Gwinnett-Forsyth Regional Library, GA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. Whitcraft goes far beyond the composition of the "The Star-Spangled Banner" in this biography of Key. For example, a plantation childhood in Maryland sets the stage for Key's feelings about a battle in Baltimore harbor. Whitcraft also explores Key's relationship to the institution of slavery. This may be the best part of the book for young readers because it shows the range of responses present in the culture at the time. Most Americans remember only Key's famous anthem, but Whitcraft makes the man's whole life more memorable. Mary Harris Veeder

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 63 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531201635
• ISBN-13: 978-0531201633
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,341,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars My Thoughts on Francis Scott Key, May 21, 2000

By 

Kiernan Hogan (Springfield, Virginia, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Francis Scott Key (First Book) (Library Binding)

I thought that this book was really good. I did a research paper using this book and I'm sure I'll get an A. The beginning of Francis Scott Key's life was interesting. I was surprised to learn that Francis Scott Key defended Aaron Burr. The book gave perfect information on how he got his idea for his poem that became The Star Spangled Banner. I thought the pictures were good and I promise that anyone else who reads this book will like it.