The Flag We Love

by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Ralph Masiello (Illustrator)

This spirited tribute to Old Glory will inspire readers, young and old, to take a new look at the greatest emblem of the United States of America. With patriotic verse and historical facts, THE FLAG WE LOVE explores how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation's proud history and heritage. From its earliest designs to its role in peace-time and war, the Star-Spangled Banner will take on a whole new meaning for all readers.

The bold, rich illustrations by Ralph Masiello highlight significant points in history, as well as commonplace moments of American life, when our flag symbolizes the people and ideals of the United States of America.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Poetry, American, Holiday

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Pam Muñoz Ryan is the author of the New York Times Best Seller, ECHO, a 2016 Newbery Honor Book, and winner of the Kirkus Prize. She has written over forty books for young people—picture books, early readers, and middle grade and young adult novels. She the author recipient of the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, the Willa Cather Award, the Pura Belpré medal, the PEN USA award, and many others. Her novels include Esperanza Rising, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi León, Paint the Wind, The Dreamer, and Echo. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, holds a bachelor's and master's degree from San Diego State University and lives in north San Diego county with her family.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with basic information about the United State's flag!
Good illustrations!

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The red, white and blue of the American flag can be seen flying above government buildings, on homes, at sporting events and even from the tops of skyscrapers. But who made the first banner that represented the United States (It wasn't Betsy Ross) and why is Old Glory such an important symbol to the citizens of the U.S.?

Younger children will enjoy looking at the images of children saluting the flag, marching in Independence Day parades and watching fireworks. Beginning readers will love being able to read about the nation's symbol and older readers will learn some important information about the flag that is a part of American culture without feeling overwhelmed. This is a book that is appropriate for any age.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FANTASTIC! I loved how the author included information and poetry. Each page was about a topic. For example, the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a picture, a poem, and information all regarding the topic. This book was all around really interesting as well as educational. I will most definitely be buying this book to use in my future classroom to use during poetry lessons and/or American history lessons. This would be a good book to read when you discuss Betsy Ross. It includes the history of the American flag as well as information about the many occassions it's used.

[Brittany L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book to read to young readers, and inform them of our country's flag and its history. It is simple, but informative. The illustrations are wonderful. They depict the flag from its earliest stages of creation to today. This would be a nice book to read to students during a patriotic lesson!

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, beautifully illustrated exploration of our flag, where she has been and what she means to us.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, let me say that this is a beautiful book. The colors are deep and rich. Each two-page spread has a four line poem about a particular historical aspect of the flag or a way in which the flag is used, as well as a full-page illustration of the content of the poem. Also on each two-page spread there is a box with more detailed information for older kids or for adults. With words like “connotations,” this is not a book of five-year-old could read to him or herself. However, it would be a great book to read with a teacher or a parent.

There is a certain lack of coherence in “The Flag We Love.” The first page, which has four lines of poetry and no box with more detailed information, seems to indicate the purpose of the book. The book will tell us of the many things the flag means to people in our country. But the very next spread is about the creation of the flag, which doesn't address what the flag means to us. The next spread is about the flag flying above schools. The meaning of the flag flying above a school, says the book, is to let children know that in the school one can learn. Since a public education is not a right granted in the Bill of Rights, it’s a stretch to say that the flag flies above schools to let children know they can learn at school. In fact, I always thought the flag flew above schools as part of the civics lessons given at schools that are so important in making us feel like Americans.

The spreads aren't all muddy. One set of pages addresses athletes competing for the United States. In this spread its clear the flag is a symbol of the country, and joins us all together on the same team rooting for the athletes who represent us.

The book, unfortunately, doesn’t hold together as a whole. But if read with an adult, it would be an excellent starting point for discussions about what the flag means to Americans and so what it means to be an American.

[Torrie Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Type: picture book
Genre: non- fiction
Awards: Early Childhood News Director's Choice Award
Summary: This book is a text all about the flag of the United States of America. It starts off with what the flag looks like and what color it is. It also talks about what people do with the flag like children marching around with it during parades. This book also talks about what the flag does, the flag drapes the caskets of our fallen soldiers, first responders and also past presidents.
1 critique: I do not like that this book does not talk about the fact that Betty White made the first flag and how it has changed.
questions: What is one thing this book taught you? Where is one pace you see the flag? What is one way we honor our flag everyday?
Craft element:I would read this around patriots day on September 11th especially if I had younger student who you wouldn't want to teach about terrorism and destruction too. I would also use this in Kindergarten for learning the symbols of America.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining book that teaches children about the American flag. The narrative in larger font is rhyming and can be read all by itself, especially to younger children.

The additional notes and facts at the bottom of each page are very interesting and informative. Overall, I liked the book and think it would be perfect for teaching children at school and at home about the origins and traditions of our flag.

I read this book while shopping for a present for our girls during a visit to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

[Kara Moreland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the American Flag. It gives a good little story, and then under each little saying about the flag, it gives a good history of how the flag came about and why we honor it.
I enjoyed this book because it was full of great facts, some that I didn't even know. It really made the American Flag interesting.
This would be good to use in class with younger children to explain why it is so important to honor our flag. I think many students need to hear this book.

[Sarah Kasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Flag We Love" would be a great book to share with your class during holidays where America is celebrated. The book includes caption boxes with information as well as a rhyming story about the American flag. I would read this book twice, one time reading the story and one time reading the informational boxes. Both are interesting!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades 1-6
Reviews: School Library Journal; Kirkus Reviews; Publisher's Weekly; Children's Literature
Summary: Poem about meanings, feelings, uses, celebrations and rememberances surrounding flags, specifically the American flag. Great little tidbits of flags interspersed.
Curriculum Connection:
Flag day
American Symbols

[LaQueena Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Social Studies Informational book is about the details of the flag and what it stands for. The books seems to be really kids friendly. The only thing is that the cover may not attract a lot of students due to it not really being that colorful. Although, this is a great book to pair with a social studies lesson .

[Amanda Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't necessarily love overly patriotic books like this one, but I do believe it would be an interesting way to talk to students about how and when we use the flag in the United States and why we say the pledge of allegiance. It also could be used to compare and contrast how other nations use their flags and in what context it appears.

[Megan Coloutti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about our countries flag. This book is filled with information about the flag, where it came from, where it has been, and what it stands for. The illustrations are stunning, a wonderful addition to anyone’s library. A wonderful addition to any US geography unit.

[Shayla Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teach students the meanings of the stars and stripes during a government lesson in Social Studies. Have your children create another flag for the USA and write a paragraph about why they chose the colors and symbols and placement of them all.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, concise history of the creation, symbolism, and use of the American flag. Combination of poetry for the main text with text boxes chock full of facts. '"I know you're probably going to see a lot of US flags on TV today, so let's talk about what that means."

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It takes our National Anthem in text and adds beautiful artwork to interpret the song in a very moving way which really brings it alive for adult and child alike. This book is a great way to introduce the meaning of our flag along with the most important song to our country.

[James Vickery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about he American flag. The book tells about he flag in ways that you would never think of. The book talks about our flag as a symbol of the past, present, and the future. The book gives much history about the flag and the many uses of our country's flag.
.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This patriotic book tells the reader many facts about the flag intertwined with a poem. It describes the many uses of the flag from flying at schools to flying on the moon. The illustrations are realistic and detailed.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and interesting information make this book perfect for all ages. There is a poem that tells the story for younger kids, with more information underneath for older kids and adults. A great way to teach kids about patriotism and the flag.

[Stephanie Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book when teaching American symbols. It is beautifully written and the students always love listening to the words. I typically accompany this book with a book with straightforward facts about the American Flag.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The so called Americans who have such a big problem with this country and disrespect this country should read this book. This is great reminder of why the American flag is a symbol for the US and its people.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book for first graders, with short rhyming verses for each page. This book tells about the American flag, some of its history, and some of the reasons we honor it. It is written simply so new readers can understand it; yet it has important ideas that are great even for adults.

[Donald · Rating 2 out of 5]

it take abot flag

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great addition to any lesson on the flag, we focused on this as many parents were getting deployed. brilliant book.

[Katie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells a story of events that happen and how the flag was involved in the event. At the bottom of each page, facts of an important date are provided such as President Lincoln's death.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable poem with an accompanying nonfiction text about the flag. I liked it quite a lot.

[Bridget]

(Have 2 copies)

[Sarai Clemente · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book to teach about the flag and it is written as a poem. Its a little bit slow so I would probably use parts of it

[Maridel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I loved how the author included information on every page. Each page was about a topic that tied into the history of our flag.