Francis Scott Key

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-An excellent introductory biography of the man who authored our national anthem. Whitcraft chronicles Key's life, from his birth on a Maryland plantation until his death, including the events surrounding the writing of ``The Star-Spangled Banner.'' This readable volume is well illustrated with full-color reproductions and photographs and is ideal for reports or recreational reading. The full text of Key's poem and a good index are appended; the quotations are not documented.-Margaret B. Rafferty, Gwinnett-Forsyth Regional Library, GA

Mary Harris Veeder

Whitcraft goes far beyond the composition of the "The Star-Spangled Banner" in this biography of Key. For example, a plantation childhood in Maryland sets the stage for Key's feelings about a battle in Baltimore harbor. Whitcraft also explores Key's relationship to the institution of slavery. This may be the best part of the book for young readers because it shows the range of responses present in the culture at the time. Most Americans remember only Key's famous anthem, but Whitcraft makes the man's whole life more memorable.