January 1, 2020
Gr 7 Up-The National Anthem is a well-recognized song across the United States, but many people may not know the story of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Congress declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812. In 1813, flag-maker and Baltimore resident Mary Pickersgill was asked to make two flags to hang at Fort McHenry. The narrative, which takes place during the War of 1812, describes how poet Francis Scott Key found inspiration while watching the Battle of Baltimore. While it took more than 100 years for "The Star-Spangled Banner" to officially be adopted as the national anthem, Baltimore took great pride in defending Fort McHenry under the 15-star, 15-striped flag. Stories of American business owners like Pickersgill and shipbuilder Thomas Kemp, who squared off against Admiral George Cockburn and his Royal Navy, will have readers cheering for the United States and caught up in the city's battle preparations. Quick chapters introduce a colorful array of people from Britain and the United States, including those who were enslaved and those who were free. Beautiful full-color photographs and artwork bring this story to life. End matter includes a full bibliography, a glossary, a list of places to visit, and an epilogue to find out what happened to key characters after the battle. VERDICT This is a great addition to collections where American history is a hot item.-Stephanie Wilkes, Good Hope Middle School, West Monroe, LA
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Starred review from February 15, 2020
An in-depth look at the events that led to the connected stories of the United States flag, the national anthem, and an important military victory. The United States was a vulnerable young nation when the War of 1812 plunged it into conflict with Great Britain. The British navy targeted the Chesapeake Bay and the city of Baltimore for attack, both for its proximity to Washington and the shipbuilding that occurred there. Grove provides comprehensive background about both nations' underlying military strategy. The actual story about the commission of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry is explored in great detail, as is the confluence of events that found Maryland-born attorney Francis Scott Key on a ship during battle, the aftermath of which inspired him to write the words that became the national anthem. Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas. He paints a full picture of Key's attitudes toward slavery as well as of Mary Pickersgill and how she came to take on the task of making a somewhat unusual flag. In addition to details about shipbuilding and military planning, he weaves in the role of enslaved fighters who ran away to the British, who promised freedom, forming the Colonial Marines. Generous archival illustrations and the rich and varied backmatter make this a boon for fledgling historians. A well-researched and spirited slice of history. (Nonfiction. 10-13)
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