Betsy Ross and the American Flag - (Graphic History) by Kay Melchisedech Olson (Paperback)

About the Book

Recounts the life and legend of Betsy Ross in graphic novel format.

Book Synopsis

Looks at the life of Betsy Ross from her Quaker childhood to her days as an independent businesswoman. Also examines the legend of the Betsy Ross flag. Written in graphic-novel format.

Review Quotes

Did you know Betsy Ross was a Quaker and outlived three husbands? Did you know Betsy Ross was not allowed to associate with other Quakers--including her own parents and family--because she married a non-Quaker? Did you know that the story of Betsy making the first flag comes from Betsy's grandson and an old five-pointed star? Betsy supposedly created a five-pointed star rather than the six-pointed one given to her. There is no historical data, no written record, no genuine bill of sale, and no receipt. This historical story, written in color comic-book form' is part of the Capstone "Graphic Library" series. Teachers and parents would appreciate the book's format because of its appeal to nonreaders. It also has controlled vocabulary, short and direct sentence structure, photo-matching text to aid comprehension, chapter headings, and straightforward information.-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database"

Elizabeth, or Betsy as she was called, was the daughter of a Quaker and she was brought up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Like all Quaker children Betsy was educated and when she was twelve, she went to apprentice in an upholstery shop. There she met John Ross and later, Betsy married John, the two of them setting up their own shop together after their marriage. Betsy and John were living in turbulent times for many of the American colonists were tired of being ruled, and taxed, by the faraway English King. They wanted to have more freedoms and finally there came a time when the Americans had to take up arms against the British. One of the men to do this was John Ross. Unfortunately, John was killed in 1776, but Betsy kept the shop going, something most women of that time would not have dared to do. It is said that one day George Washington came to Betsy's shop and asked her to create a flag for the new democratic United States of America. No one is really sure if this story is true but what we do know is that Betsy was a true patriot and that two of her three husbands died fighting for the cause. Though she may not have designed and created the first American flag, it is very likely that Betsy, who was so skilled with a needle and thread, made many of the now familiar flags for her fellow countrymen and women. The author of this excellent "Graphic Library" title beautifully weaves together what we do know about Betsy Ross and what we cannot be sure about. She provides her readers with a lively story and plenty of information. The reader can then decide for his or herself whether the legend is just a legend, or whether Betsy really did make George Washington's first stars and stripes flag. Full page comic book style artwork makes this book easy to read and a perfect fit for readers who prefer illustration rich books.-- "Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review"