Star-Spangled The Story of a Flag, a Battle, and the American Anthem

Tim Grove’s Star-Spangled tells the little-known and inspiring story behind the national anthem and the stars and stripes.

“O say can you see” begins one of the most recognizable songs in the United States. Originally a poem by Francis Scott Key, the national anthem tells the story of the American flag rising high above a fort after a night of intense battle during the War of 1812. But there is much more to the story than what is sung at ball games. What was this battle about? Whose bombs were bursting, and why were rockets glaring? Who sewed those broad stripes and bright stars? Why were free black soldiers fighting on both sides? Who was Francis Scott Key anyway, and how did he end up with such a close view?

Star-Spangled tells the whole story from the perspectives of different real players—both American and British—of this obscure but important battle from American history. The book includes an author’s note, archival images, a timeline, a glossary, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.

“Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas . . . A well-researched and spirited slice of history.” —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

Historian Tim Grove has written several books for young readers. His book Star-Spangled was named a Best Book of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews and the Chicago Public Library, and First Flight Around the World was a finalist for the American Library Association’s YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction award. He holds a graduate degree in history and an undergraduate degree in journalism. Grove’s career has included positions at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of American History. Grove lives in Falls Church, Virginia.