Books with title The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner

Peter has a problem. He has a school paper due tomorrow and not one idea what to write. He hopes his Grandpa Ted, who is a great story teller and knows lots of stuff, can help him out. Luckily for Peter, Grandpa Ted does help, and in the course of an afternoon tells Peter a story about when the British burned Washington, D.C., the heroic efforts to save things from that fire, the following days when the British attacked Baltimore, and the patriot who started off to save a friend, ended being held by the British, and wrote The Star Spangled Banner.

Three cheers for the red-white-and-blue in this Smithsonian nonfiction reader!The original Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry, Baltimore, in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would become the national anthem of the United States is the showpiece of the Smithsonian! In this lively nonfiction book, young readers will read about the story behind the flag, the song, and how the Smithsonian cares for this most precious national treasure.

Did you know that the largest sculptures in the world are the presidents’ heads on Mount Rushmore? Featuring bright, bold pictures illustrating national pastimes, monuments, and moments in history, this patriotic Pictureback is a great way to introduce kids to our National Anthem. Lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner” are on each page, as well as fun and informational sidebars about America.

Published in 1942 shortly after America joined the Allied forces to fight Hitler's march across Europe, the d'Aulaires hoped in this way to contribute to the war effort and the nation's pride in the national anthem. With their remarkable skill in four-color lithographs, the artists have depicted seminal scenes of American life alongside the verses of the anthem. Other scenes include pioneers building a log cabin, the battle of Fort McHenry, Pilgrims arriving on the Mayflower, soldiers marching in formation, and the heroic icons of Washington and Lincoln. With a sense of heartfelt patriotism and devotion to freedom, the artists have captured the spirit of the anthem in these vibrant scenes depicting American life. 36pg