The National Anthem (True Books: American History) [Paperback]

Elaine Landau (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: True Books: American History

Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers. A True Book -- American History: How do you wrap a 450,000-pound gift? What is the world's oldest and shortest written consitution? Find out in this patriotic celebration of things uniquely American.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elaine Landau is the author of several nonfiction books for children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Children's Press(CT) (March 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531147835
• ISBN-13: 978-0531147832
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #368,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a children's book author and writing coach who loves both children and books. I've never been much of a fiction fan, I've spent my time both reading and writing nonfiction. I live in tropical Miami with my husband and son who are nonfiction lovers as well.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an amazing historical look at our national anthem and the story behind its creation!, August 10, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The National Anthem (True Books: American History) (Paperback)

Do you know the words to our national anthem, "The Star-spangled Banner?" If so you are in the minority because only about one-third of Americans do. You're probably anxious for the singer to finish in order for your ball game to get started, but after you read this book you may have a new appreciation for the song. In 1814 the British forces, after capturing Washington, D.C., were having a grand old time setting fire to buildings and creating mayhem in the general area. When a couple of British soldiers were in Baltimore Dr. William Beanes tried to have them arrested, but the tables were turned and he was captured.

Francis Scott Key and John Skinner were sent to negotiate his release and they ended up in captivity in the "harbor, close to Fort McHenry" because their captors thought they "may have overheard [their] plans during their dinner on the ship." In this book you will learn that the Americans suspected this attack, how Major George Armistead flew a huge American flag over Fort McHenry to entice the British, who made this massive flag, you'll learn about the attack on Fort McHenry, how Key watched the battle in a small boat, the poem he wrote about the battle, how it came to be the national anthem and what happened to that "star-spangled banner" that waved over the fort.

This is one of the more fascinating True Books I've read. There were many interesting historical facts about the flag and our national anthem that many young people may not be aware of. For example, "Francis Scott Key wrote his poem on the back of a letter" on a small boat within sight of the battle at Fort McHenry. The book is clear, concise, well written and researched. Scattered throughout the book are informative sidebars, numerous informative vignettes, photographs, illustrations, art reproductions, a timeline and a map. In the back of the book are "important words," an index, a page of statistics and additional recommended book, organization and web site resources. Do you know who made this star-spangled banner? If not, you might want to read this book!