Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became our country's national anthem in celebration of America's surprise victory over Britain in the War of 1812. It was sung for more than a century before it became our country's official national anthem in 1931. Using primary sources, young readers hear the story behind how the poem became a song and then a national anthem that is sung to this day. Engaging text, colorful photos, sidebars and a variety of primary sources introduce readers to the Star Spangled Banner.