Every Day's a Holly Day #nn

This anthology issue presents educational stories about American holidays. "The Thrilling Story Behind Old Glory" explains Flag Day (June 14), recounting how Betsy Ross designed and sewed the first American flag at George Washington's request, and how Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry. "The Story of a Glorious Mistake: Columbus Day" (October 12) details Columbus's 1492 voyage sponsored by Queen Isabella of Spain, his harrowing Atlantic crossing, and his mistaken belief that he had reached Asia rather than discovering new lands, before his tragic end in poverty in Spain in 1506.