The Star Spangled Banner in Translation - (Kids' Translations) by Elizabeth Raum (Paperback)

About the Book

Have you ever sung, "Jose, can you see?" Do you really know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner"? Here's your chance to find out what they really mean.

Book Synopsis

How long is four score and seven years? Just what are unalienable rights? These translations make important historical documents meaningful. Each book translates the work of a primary source into a language you can understand.

Review Quotes

The Star Spangled Banner is often described as a very difficult song because of both the melody and the words. This book attempts to make our national anthem more meaningful to children by explaining not only the unfamiliar words, but also the history and emotion behind them. As part of the "Kids' Translations" series, this book includes sections on the meaning of the document, five reasons to care about it, a history and timeline, a vocabulary review, and suggested internet sites. There is also a short index, so this book can be a useful reference tool. It includes a short, but clear summary of the War of 1812. It also provides some background information on Fort McHenry and Francis Scott Key. The graphics are engaging, using a good mix of photographs and drawings, including several battle scenes and pictures of the flag. The internet link at the end of the book leads to three excellent sites for further research and interactive educational games related to the song, the war, the flag, and related history. Although the sites are purportedly divided by grade level, the same sites are offered for both K-4 and older children.-- "CLCD Newsletter"