Francis Scott Key's Star-Spangled Banner

Monica Kulling

Jan 2012 · Sold by Random House Books for Young Readers

About this ebook

Francis Scott Key was a very busy man. He and his wife had 11 children. He was a lawyer and many people came to him for advice. But whenever he had a moment, he would jot down a line of poetry. He loved writing poems. When the War of 1812 broke out, Francis became even busier. He was well-respected and often called upon to help keep the peace as the war between the United States and England raged on. One fateful night Francis and his friend helped talk the British Navy into releasing a prisoner of war. But they couldn't return home just yet because the Battle of Fort McHenry was starting! If the British captured the fort, America might very well lose its independence. Francis and his friends could only sit on a boat and observe the battle. For 25 hours they watched in awe. What Francis saw inspired him to write a poem that would become America's national anthem! This Step 3 reader is perfect  for children who are ready to read independently.

Ratings and reviews

TO THE MUSIC of what drinking song is the Star-Spangled Banner sung to?? It is sung to the melody of an old English drinking song called TO ANACREON IN HEAVEN...A GIFT OF A BOOK LIKE THIS IS SOMETIMES MORE BENEFICIAL IN THE LONG RUN THAN A SERIES OF COMPUTERIZED TOYS FOR A CHILD!! FROM JAMES MICHAEL CHAPESKIE

About the author

MONICA KULLING has published many books for children including picture books, poetry, and biographies including a number of Step into Reading titles.