Katharine Lee Bates first wrote the lines to "America the Beautiful" after a stirring visit to Pikes Peak in 1893. But the story behind the song begins with Katharine herself, who pushed beyond conventional expectations of women to become an acclaimed writer, scholar, suffragist, and reformer. Katharine believed in the power of words to make a difference, and in "America the Beautiful," her vision of the nation as a great family, united from sea to shining sea, continues to uplift and inspire us all.
For Spacious Skies is A Mighty Girl pick, the winner of the Northern Lights Book Award in the Music Category, a Top Ten 2020 Picture Book pick from Writers Rumpus and a Cybils Awards nominee.
National Braille Press has translated FOR SPACIOUS SKIES into Braille, a wonderful organization that has given free copies to 400 families for free as its Children’s Book of the Month selection. Please consider supporting National Braille Press, a nonprofit that works hard to put free and affordable Braille books into the hands of children that need them!
Interviewed in 2023 about Katharine Lee Bates for Fox News. Read the story here: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/meet-american-wrote-america-beautiful-katharine-lee-bates
Read Nancy’s post about For Spacious Skies in Braille in Paths to Literacy, an online magazine for students who are blind or visually impaired, here.
Nancy Churnin interviews singer, actress, and activist Denise Lee about Katharine Lee Bates and “America the Beautiful,” in this Air4Arts interview. Don’t miss Denise singing all four stanzas of “America the Beautiful” at the end of the program!
Check out an interview with For Spacious Skies editor Wendy McClure, illustrator Olga Baumert, and me on the Picture Book Look podcast below.
In the words of KLB herself, written 20 years after the poem was published: "That the hymn has gained, in these twenty odd years, such a hold as it has upon our people, is clearly due to the fact that Americans are at heart idealists, with a fundamental faith in human brotherhood." Here's another little known gem: the song has been sung in Canada with the words "O Canada" substituted, in Mexico with "Mi Mejico" substituted, and in Australia with Australia substituted.
It has been sung to “Auld Lang Syne,” The Harp That Once Through Tara’s Halls,” “The Son of God goes forth to War,” and “O Mother Dear Jerusalem,” but Katharine writes that the most popular melody, the one most of us know it by, is “Materna” by Samuel A. Ward.
In Katharine Lee Bates’ own words about the history of her poem:
"That the hymn has gained, in these twenty odd years, such a hold as it has upon our people, is clearly due to the fact that Americans are at heart idealists, with a fundamental faith in human brotherhood.”—Katharine Lee Bates
A lovely review from Kirkus Reviews!
“Churnin tells that story in a spare and lively text beautifully complemented by double-page spreads highlighting Baumert’s gorgeous panoramic illustrations…A handsome volume befitting its subject.” Read the full review here.
A wonderful review from School Library Journal!
“This picture book biography about a strong, smart woman and her contribution to American culture is a strong choice for elementary libraries.” Read the full review here.
A great review from Booklist!
"The story ends on a high note in 1920, with Bates casting her ballot after the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted voting rights to women... The richly colored, nicely composed artwork will help children visualize the period setting while enjoying the portrayals of Bates and beautiful landscapes. A picture-book biography of a notable American.”—Booklist
A treasured endorsement from Katharine Lee Holland:
“Nancy Churnin has written a delightful book that helps children understand the many dimensions of my great-aunt Katharine Lee Bates. This book does an excellent job conveying her ardent passion for equal rights and for her country. She was a poet, a professor, and a world traveler, but she was first and foremost a citizen who loved America, in all its beauty and diversity.”
And from the great Jackson Browne, 2004 inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and 2007 inductee in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, where Katharine Lee Bates was inducted in 1970.
“Katherine Lee Bates was America's first songwriter/activist. Hers is a story to inspire young minds of all ages, girls and boys alike.”
From Patricia Tilton’s Children’s Books Heal: “Bates is someone children can look up to because she shows them that they too can make a difference when they see injustices in their local communities and world. Bates becomes a professor and an activist for the poor, believes in equality and the right for women to vote. Her passionate journey to bring the country together will certainly inspire elementary students. The book is visually engaging for young readers, thanks to Olga Baumert’s the stunning illustrations.” Read the full post here.
FOR SPACIOUS SKIES, Katharine Lee Bates and the Inspiration for America the Beautiful, illustrated by Olga Baumert, was released April 1, 2020 from Albert & Whitman Company.
Check out the review by six-year-old Mila Vincent for her #MilaBooksIt column for fyi50plus.com.
You can read Mila’s review of FOR SPACIOUS SKIES for fyi50plus here.
You can read about what Katharine Lee Bates’ fellow Wellesley alumna and author Melinda M. Ponder has to say about Katharine Lee Bates on The Kids Are All Write.
And you can llisten to James Taylor sing “America the Beautiful” (The National Press Club, 2018)
As with all my books, you’ll find a project. This project is FOR SPACIOUS LINES. We are asking kids to share poems and essays about their vision of America and how it could be even better in the future. Their work will be shared on a separate page called FOR SPACIOUS LINES.
Welcome to my Lone Star Literary blog tour for FOR SPACIOUS SKIES, KATHARINE LEE BATES AND THE INSPIRATION FOR “AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL”!
April 16, 2020: Two posts!
Book Fidelity, with a Notable Quotable and book giveaway
and
Carpe Diem Chronicles by Maida Malby
"Exquisitely illustrated, inspiring, and educational, For Spacious Skies is a gem of a picture biography I would strongly recommend elementary school librarians, reading teachers, and parents of school-age kids purchase right away."-- carpe_diem_chronicles
Thanks for the wonderful review for FOR SPACIOUS SKIES, Maida Malby!
4/17/20 Book Trailer KayBee's Book Shelf
4/17/20 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
“The book is a wonderful story, a great history lesson, and enjoyable to visually peruse. With brilliant illustrations, it shows how much just one person can accomplish and the impact someone can have on their fellow people. I hope young girls find it especially empowering to read this illustrated biography.”— Chapter Break Book Blog
For Spacious Skies, Katharine Lee Bates and the Inspiration for “America the Beautiful” by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Olga Baumert (Albert Whitman & Company)
4/18/20 Sneak Peek Hall Ways Blog
Author Interview and Book Review StoreyBook Reviews
“This book captures some of our history that might be lost and the format is perfect for anyone to read and whet their appetite for more about Katharine or anyone else that helped shape our country. We give this book 5 paws up.”— StoreyBook Reviews
4/20/20 Review Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
“For Spacious Skies is not just a story about how the song "America the Beautiful" came to be, but how the perseverance of Katharine Lee Bates inspired a nation of women who wanted more - more out of life, more out of their country, and especially more out of themselves. An inspirational story from start to finish! A great addition to your school or public library! 5 Hearts! 💖💖💖💖💖 — Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
4/21/20 Playlist of famous folks singing “America the Beautiful” on Texas Book Lover
Performed by Ray Charles, a month after 9/11, at the 2001 World Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OTRRzSuWro
Performed by Beyoncé at President Obama’s inaugural ceremony in 2008: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAmydqJmDtY
Performed by James Taylor at President Obama’s second inauguration in 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd91jKd5rIk
Performed by Willie Nelson on July 4, 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl0SIC3chbc
Performed by Judy Garland in 1964: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaPkkOYg4cQ
Performed by Leslie Odom Jr. at the Super Bowl NFL Pre-Game February 4, 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR9HYwz4N6M
Performed by Garth Brooks at the Points of Light Tribute event on March 21, 2011, in Washington, DC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsVeauXNp1Y
Performed by Leontyne Price with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jovQPbJXTEU
In sign language, step by step: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvuI7i36-pE
Performed by Norah Jones at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and John Glenn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGNRg4_fEiA
4/21/20 Review That's What She's Reading
“A captivating addition to any library that renders a salute to a notable woman and the powerful words she penned while also creatively engaging all readers in an inspiring history lesson.”
4/22/20 Author Interview Tangled in Text
“I write about people who inspire me and that I believe will inspire kids to be the heroes and heroines of their own lives.”
4/23/20 Guest Post Max Knight
To me, that is true patriotism—not just loving your country, but helping your country live up to her ideals of equality and kindness.
4/23/20 Review All the Ups and Downs
“…For Spacious Skies is the ultimate girl power book. Katharine Lee Bates was obviously a force to be reckoned with according to this book. If you're looking for a book with a strong female and beautiful illustrations, pick up a copy of For Spacious Skies. I would definitely recommend For Spacious Skies by Nancy Churnin to adults and children aged 8 and older. I feel as if this book needs to be required reading in all elementary schools and should be in every school library. That's how good and informative it is. Grab a copy, and see for yourself!”
4/24/20 Deleted Scene Reading by Moonlight
4/25/20 Review Forgotten Winds
“Timeless books that can be an example that girls or women can accomplish anything they want will always be needed. For Spacious Skies by Nancy Churnin fits impeccably in that category. This story is carried by the art of Olga Baumert. Her depictions are a mix of impressionistic and post-impressionistic art with hints of Georges Seurat and Claude Monet.”
4/25/20 Review Jennifer Silverwood
A perfect teaching tool for older elementary students, For Spacious Skies finds its strength in its underlying message for younger generations: the smallest person can spark big change.4/25/20 Review Jennifer Silverwood
And a bonus feature by Beth Anderson: a Behind the Scenes look on how I pick the subjects for my picture book biographies! Read all about it here.
Please explore nancychurnin.com/forspaciousskies for a free Teacher Guide, resources and the FOR SPACIOUS LINES project, where kids can share ways in which they’re making America more beautiful. Plus, a giveaway! I look forward to your comments and questions.
Loved hanging out with Teresa Robeson for a virtual book launch tour, hosted by The Writing Barn and Book People in Austin.
