Plot Summary - This book traces the conception of the flag. It discusses the people who were involved with the conception and design of the national symbol of freedom.
Personal Reaction - This was a great book, very informative, I learned a lot about the history of the flag from this book.
Memorable Literary Element - The book is written so that reluctant readers can read with enjoyment. The book is broken into 9 chaptersand even deals with modern day conflict over the flag.
Illustrations - There is a mix of real photographs and drawings.
Review - School Library Journal Grade 5-7-Two books that are easy to read and appealing enough for reluctant readers. American Flag is a history of the designs leading up to the familiar "Old Glory." Ferry includes Betsy Ross's story as a legend, thereby crediting Francis Hopkinson with the design of the Stars and Stripes. One chapter describes Francis Scott Key's inspiration for writing "The Star Spangled Banner." Illustrations are abundant, beginning with a depiction of Columbus unfurling a flag in the New World, and ending with a photo of Neil Armstrong on the Moon in 1969. The last chapter deals with use/abuse of the flag in the last two decades. In seven chapters, Saffer introduces John Sutter, describes the difficulty of travel on overland trails, and details life in mining towns (crime, work laws, ethnic prejudice). Archival photos, sidebars, and borders decorate each page; the text is simple but not dull.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Promotion - This book would be a great resource for a study on American symbols.
Personal Reaction - This was a great book, very informative, I learned a lot about the history of the flag from this book.
Memorable Literary Element - The book is written so that reluctant readers can read with enjoyment. The book is broken into 9 chaptersand even deals with modern day conflict over the flag.
Illustrations - There is a mix of real photographs and drawings.
Review - School Library Journal Grade 5-7-Two books that are easy to read and appealing enough for reluctant readers. American Flag is a history of the designs leading up to the familiar "Old Glory." Ferry includes Betsy Ross's story as a legend, thereby crediting Francis Hopkinson with the design of the Stars and Stripes. One chapter describes Francis Scott Key's inspiration for writing "The Star Spangled Banner." Illustrations are abundant, beginning with a depiction of Columbus unfurling a flag in the New World, and ending with a photo of Neil Armstrong on the Moon in 1969. The last chapter deals with use/abuse of the flag in the last two decades. In seven chapters, Saffer introduces John Sutter, describes the difficulty of travel on overland trails, and details life in mining towns (crime, work laws, ethnic prejudice). Archival photos, sidebars, and borders decorate each page; the text is simple but not dull.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Promotion - This book would be a great resource for a study on American symbols.