The story takes place during the war of 1812, where patriotism was more important than ever. Caroline Pickersgill and her mother made flags. One summer day, three military men show up to their flag shop and ask that a large flag be made so that everyone could see it over the valley. Her family and servants work diligently for six weeks. Finally, the flag is placed in Fort McHenry. The flag serves as a symbol of hope for Caroline and the people surrounding Baltimore. My favorite quote was when the Americans had lost a battle throughout the night and she and every one her village was afraid of the British Troops invading the land. “She [Caroline] could not see the flag, but she trusted it was there.” I think this would be a perfect story to read while learning about the War of 1812, a study of early colony life, or history of the Star Spangled Banner. I found this book to be my favorite of the six books that I chose this week. One, there was something poetic about the words, and things like, “The city held its breath,” was just a beautiful way to say that the city was hopeful and scared. I also loved this book because it was informational, but it would be easy for students to be able to imagine what Caroline must have felt like during the war. ( )

Before reading this book, I had no idea a child had helped make the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner. It was wonderful to learn a family of women flag makers had made it; a 13 year old named Caroline, her mother, and her grandmother along with their family slave. They worked tirelessly for 6 weeks. And after the Americans defeated the British in the Battle for Baltimore, their flag was still there. I also learned that the Star Spangled Banner is longer than just the verse we sing as our National Anthem. It’s actually 4 verses. The flag came to inspire so many during the burning of Washington and attempted invasion of Baltimore was made by a family of women, pretty cool. ( )

"The Flag Maker" is an informational picture book about the creation of the flag that hung during the British attack on Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. We know this flag now as "The Star-Spangled Banner." Author Susan Campbell Bartoletti tells the story through the eyes of Caroline Pickersgill, a thirteen-year-old girl who aided her mother, Mary, in the sewing and construction of what would later become the American symbol of freedom.

Upon completion of the flag, the words of the national anthem are played out as young Caroline watches the US defend itself from British invasion. Once the battle is over and the sky has cleared, Caroline sees the flag that she helped created "hoisted high above the ramparts" (30) of Fort McHenry, signifying that the US had successfully defended itself against the British attack.

As I was reading this book, I thought about the amount of times I have sung the "Star-Spangled Banner.” If someone had come up to me prior to reading this book and asked what the song was specifically about, I would not have been able to give a very informed answer. We routinely do things, like sing the National Anthem, or recite the Pledge of Allegiance, without any real explanation of why we are doing so. As a teacher, this is where I see great value in books like "The Flag Maker." A student does not need to read a history textbook to establish a basic understanding of what something like the National Anthem, or the War of 1812 was all about. The information presented in this little book, while succinct, provides fantastic background information that could be delivered to students in quick read-aloud before a related lesson or unit of study. ( )

Wonderful--good nonfiction for American history units, Women's History Month, Flag Day... ( )

It is written from the point of view from a young girl. Who was writting about everything that she is seeing and feeling. She is honestly and tells everything very honestly. It would be very good for young girls to read and be able to relate to.