Betsy Ross: Designer of Our Flag

by Ann Weil

Betsy Ross is remembered as the maker of the first American flag, which was secretly presented to General George Washington in Philadelphia in 1776. But what was she like as a kid?

In this narrative biography, you’ll learn all about the childhood of Betsy Ross—from her birth on January 1, 1752, as the eighth of seventeen children, to her Quaker upbringing, to her growing love for sewing and apprenticeship to an upholsterer. Discover how and why Betsy began making flags—and some surprising info about her legendary contribution to America.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, American History, Historical, Juvenile

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Ann Weil (1908-1969) was a children's author whose children's historical novel, Red Sails to Capri was a 1953 Newbery Honor Book. Some of her other books include Betsy Ross: Designer of Our Flag, Betsy Ross: Girl of Old Philadelphia, and Eleanor Roosevelt: Courageous Girl. Ann was born in Harrisburg, Illinois.

Reviews

[Michelle]

Read aloud with Juddy and Ada post Philadelphia trip. So blessed to be able to picture the setting and buildings referenced in the story.
Excellent series for 6-10 year olds and their grownups!!
Recommend.

[Aimee Fuhrman]

My ten-year-old son read this aloud for homeschooling when we studied early American history. Like all in this series, this tells the story of Betsy Ross's childhood, highlighting those events and characteristics that led to her famous crafting of our beloved Stars and Stripes. Though not my son's favorite (mostly because the story was about a girl--cringe), it was well written and he learned vocabulary and history along the way.

[Concetta Kellough]

This book, true to the series it is in, takes place only in the childhood of Betsy Ross. I think young female elementary students would enjoy reading about Betsy Ross and what it was like to grow up in the 1700s. Although it is listed as a biography, it seems more like historical fiction in that it has a lot of dialogue, which the author couldn't possibly know took place. It reminds me of the Laura Ingalls Wilder series.

[Krista]

Read this as part of our American History work for our 2nd grade homeschool. Great read for young ones and definitely helps you get to know Betsy as a young girl and how she was a part of our history.

[Julie]

This was a fun read-aloud with my daughter.

[Courtney]

I adored this little book. It is interesting to know her backstory and how she was inspired by Philadelphia.

[Leah Schifferer]

I liked that she would sow all the time.

[Rachel Drake]

My kids loved it.

[Denise]

I think this book would be a really great book to start students off on biographies. This in particular book series does a really good job making these autobiographies sound like stories that will capture young readers' attention. I don't think there would be a lot of boys who would enjoy this story but there are a lot of other identifiable male figures that would grab their attention. It's a good series to introduce American History and literature.

[Jolynn]

Maylin had to read a book for another book report and I always take this as an opportunity to read the book too so I can help her by asking questions. I really liked this book because it was written as if Betsy Ross wrote it herself. It was fun to read the events in her life, reminded me of a Little house series

[Jason]

Betsy Ross knew how to sew and George Washington asked her to create the flag of the United States of America. She was the best sewer in the history. The real flag that Betsy created was redesigned to the flag now with the stars and stripes.

[Mrs. Kris's Class]

Catherines reveiw: Betsy Ross is our maker of our flag.
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[Catherine Woodman]

This series of biographies for the mid-grammar school reader is a good one.

[Jason]

This is a great book about America's history. It was about the designer of the Americans flag. This is why I liked this book.

[Angie Libert]

Nevada's sayings good book i think that she has a big job to sew the amarkins flag

[emma grace]

On an old reading list...estimated to be read in 2006.

I think I read every single one of these for school.

[Caleb]

I liked it.

[Dedra ~ A Book Wanderer]

I read this one with my 9 year old son. I knew he was enjoying it when he asked me to keep reading at the end of each chapter.

[Tammy]

Although I don't remember many of the details, this is the book that started me on my love for biographies - many years ago!

[Amaziana]

I love the childhood of famous american books but this one is my favorite

[Angela]

Biography