America the Beautiful cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 4.6
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 1688
Points per Word 0.000296
Page Count 32
Points per Page 0.015625

Description

This book tells the story of how the beloved patriotic song "America the Beautiful" came to be. It follows Katharine Lee Bates, a college professor who wrote the poem in 1893 after being inspired by the stunning scenery of the American West. The book explains how the lyrics depicting wheat fields, mountains, and vast skies eventually became set to music and transformed into an unofficial national anthem celebrating America's natural beauty.

Quick Summary

This little gem uncovers the fascinating true story behind "America the Beautiful," revealing how a professor's poem written on a train became one of the most beloved songs in the nation. Young readers will devour the little-known details about Katharine Lee Bates, the song's creator, and the stunning American landscapes that inspired her famous words. If your kid enjoys quick, fact-packed reads like "The Story of the Charlotte Bobcats of the Charlotte Bobcats the Star-Spangled Banner" or loves uncovering hidden history, they'll be hooked. Perfect for kids ages 9 to 12 in grades 4 through 6 who enjoy short, fact-filled reads that pack a big punch.