Betsy Ross and the American Flag

Graphic Library: Graphic History

by Kay Melchisedech Olson, Charles Barnett III (Illustrator), Anna Maria Cool (Illustrator)

Looks at the life of Betsy Ross from her Quaker childhood to her days as an independent businesswoman. Also examines the legend of the Betsy Ross flag. Written in graphic-novel format.

Genres: History, Childrens, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Kay Melchisedech Olson is a writer and editor known for her nonfiction children's books on history, culture, and geography. She has served as editorial director at Capstone Press and authored numerous works, including Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish Immigrants, 1820-1920 and The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Many of her books are part of educational series, providing accessible historical narratives. Olson has also contributed to graphic history books like The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, making history engaging for young readers. Her works have been translated into Spanish.

Reviews

[Lili Martin]

Did you know that Betsy Ross had three husbands and they all died before her. The first one died when off to war then the place that hold the supplies caught on fire . The man got badly burned and died. The other husband died by becoming ill and died in jail. Then the last husband just died by age. The good news is she had a lot of daughters that could take care of her in her old age. That book can tell you a lot about Betsy Ross. You should read it.

[Maya]

Batsy Ross had a realy hard life! I feel so bad for her! She had three husbinds and they all died. 2 from war and 1 from old age. In all that trouble her parents wouldnt talk to her because she was afraid to have them at their wedding so she didnt envite them. She was also probuly preasured a little for having to make the first American flag. In this book I realy learned alot about Betsy!

[StrictlySequential ArtNarrative]

She gives Betsy these first words- "Mother, why do we go to Meeting instead of church like my friends?"- an entertaining paradox of sorts when said aloud (no capital "F"). It's possible that the writer wasn't aware but I doubt it. That struck me as a wonderful way to begin an educational book that examines people and their customs.

[Ms. Mielke's Class Make sure you post how your sheets tell you to!!!!]

This book is one of my favorite books. She is a very hard working girl and she loves to sew and make things and she was also the first designer of the philidelphia flag. LJ