The American Flag (American Symbols and Their Meanings Series)

by Joseph Ferry, Barry Mareno (Introduction)

Overview

The American Flag By whatever name it is called - the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the Star-Spangled Banner - the American flag is the ultimate symbol of American freedom. But why stars, why stripes? What is the significance of the elements of the flag?

The American flag went through several incarnations before the design we recognize today was established. From a banner based on a British flag and a colonial rattlesnake flag that read, ""on'' Tread on Me" to the enormous24-str flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem, this symbol of America has inspired music and joy in the hearts of people around the world. It is a beacon to those who long fir liberty, as well as representation of the unity of our great nation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781590840269
Publisher:	Mason Crest Publishers
Publication date:	02/28/2002
Series:	American Symbols and Their Meanings Series
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

Gr 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 Cahners Business Information.

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