Francis Scott Key and "The Star Spangled Banner"

Book by Bowdish, Lynea, Burman, Harry

K-Gr. 3. This large-format book tells the story of Francis Scott Key and how he came to write "The Star Spangled Banner." In 1814, Key boarded a British ship near Baltimore to request the release of his friend and fellow American, Dr. William Beanes. From the ship's deck, they watched as the British fleet attacked Fort McHenry. As the sun rose, the sight of the American flag still flying above the fort inspired Key to write the song that, in 1931, would become the national anthem. The closing pages show a photo of Fort McHenry, a picture of Key's manuscript, and simple music for the song, along with the words for the first verse. Several books about the anthem are available, but most are for very young children, illustrating the words of the song rather than telling the story behind its writing. The book, fully illustrated with impressionistic paintings and detailed pen and pencil drawings, tells the story with only a sentence or two on a typical page. Distant or remembered scenes are done in sepia tones, which contrast effectively with the many more-colorful pictures. Carolyn Phelan
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