These slight books trace the roots of two nineteenth- century poems/songs that continue to have meaning today. America profiles the poet and the composer behind the song. Banner discusses Francis Scott Key's experiences during the War of 1812 that led to his penning the national anthem. Plenty of archival photos accompany the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these America in Words and Songs titles: America the Beautiful and The Star-Spangled Banner.]

Reviewed with Liz Sonneborn's The Pledge of Allegiance .Gr. 3-5. From the America in Words and Song series, these slender books offer informative, balanced discussions. The history of the pledge is complex. Written by Francis Bellamy in 1892, it was accompanied by a straight-armed salute until World War II, when the similarity to the Nazi salute prompted a change. Sonneborn discusses the wording phrase by phrase and places it within its historical context (indivisible refers to the Civil War). In 1954, the words under God were inserted. Star-Spangled Banner details the story behind the song and discusses the words' meaning. Congress first debated whether to make this song the national anthem in 1912 (people objected that it was too hard to sing). One of the best qualities of the series is Sonneborn's evenhanded approach, making clear that both the anthem and the pledge have an ongoing history of controversy as well as wide acceptance. With an abundance of color illustrations, including reproductions of photos, prints, and paintings from many eras, the books have an accessible, attractive look. Each ends with a well-designed time line, a glossary, and lists of recommended books and Internet sites.