Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner

Francis was nervous. He had a big job ahead of him.
Francis was on a boat in the harbor at Baltimore. There was a war going on. It was called the War of 1812, but here it was September 13, 1813 and the war was still going.
Francis looked out into the harbor. It was filled with British ships.
On one of those ships was a prisoner. The man's name was Dr. William Beanes.
Dr. Beanes had been captured by the British. He was held as a prisoner on one of the ships.
Dr. Beanes had arrested some British men. These men were part of the British army. They had been stealing things from the people of Baltimore.
Francis was going out to that ship. He would try to get the British to give up Dr. Beanes.

Find out what happens and how Francis is inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner in this exciting 15-minute book.

Ages 7 and up.
Reading level 2.7

This book is part of our "Heroes in History" series. These 15-minute books focus on a specific moment in a historic person's life. Aimed at second graders, they provide the perfect introduction to famous Americans in an exciting, fun-to-read way.

LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.