The White House for kids A history of a home, office, and national symbol : with 21 activities

Katherine L. House

Book - 2014

"An in-depth look at the most famous home in the United States, this kid-friendly activity book educates young readers on the White House. Blending facts from numerous primary sources with engaging anecdotes--from learning that George Washington never actually slept in the White House and Abraham Lincoln never slept in the Lincoln Bedroom to how Gerald Ford's daughter Susan held her high school prom in the White House--this book provides the complete story of the presidents' home. Details on the many changes, updates, renovations, and redecorations that have occurred over the years are featured as well as a look at the daily lives of the White House's inhabitants, including past presidents and their families along with t...he enormous staff that makes the White House run smoothly. This rich history is packed with an assortment of cross-curricular activities that allow readers to walk in the footsteps of presidents--they can play key passages of "Hail to the Chief," practice signing a bill into law, make a White House punch, and re-create an aerobic game designed for President Hoover--making it a perfect book for any young mind with an interest in the White House or American history"--

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Subjects
Published
Chicago, Illinois : Chicago Review Press [2014]
Language
English
Main Author
Katherine L. House (-)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
xiv, 139 pages : illustrations, plans ; 22 x 28 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN
9781613744611
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

The newest entry in the 21 Activities series presents the White House, one of the most storied places in America. After opening with a biography and a tour of the building itself, the remaining chapters draw from more than two centuries of history to discuss how people have worked, grown up, entertained, celebrated holidays, and created their family homes at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The clearly written text is full of anecdotes that bring the past to life. From making White House Fruit Punch to designing a modern presidential complex, the activities will suit a broad range of interests and abilities. Besides showcasing these activities, the book's wide pages offer plenty of space for informative sidebars and well-chosen photos, including pictures of nineteenth-century presidents and their families, a twenty-first-century view of the national security team in the Situation Room, and several shots of White House pets. Attractive, informative, and up-to-date, this is a solid choice for library collections.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2014 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-7-House has provided a great resource for readers seeking to learn more about the famous residence and its role in American history, past and present. The text describes the White House's transformation from its early beginnings to the landmark we know today. Amid many kid-friendly facts and anecdotes, descriptions of the role of the building as an office, workplace, and home for the First Family are delivered. Chapters focusing on holidays, home life, entertaining, and growing up there provide a complete view of the building. The text is generously accompanied by photographs through the years as well as its many inhabitants, and a time line marks monumental moments in history. Engaging activities geared toward bringing history alive include baking Chelsea Clinton's favorite chocolate chip cookies, practicing signing a bill the way a president does, and creating a model White House. An in-depth and engaging introduction to our nation's most famous home.-Lauren M. Sinacore, George M. Davis Elementary School, New Rochelle , NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

The latest installment in the For Kids series offers a biography of a house. "Even if you don't know your best friend's house number, chances are you know the address for the White House." The premise may or may not be true nowadays, but young readers will certainly be drawn in by this kid-friendly approach to history. The story of the White House represents much of the history of the United States, and it's fitting that a biography of a house be written by an author named House. From George Washington, who died before the White House was finished and thus never slept there, to Barack Obama playing basketball at the White House, this narrative of American history is chock-full of photographs, diagrams and sidebars. The series' signature activities include how to write a letter to the president, make stilts (since Theodore Roosevelt's children loved walking the house and gardens on stilts), bake Chelsea Clinton's chocolate-chip cookies and hold an egg race like the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House. Extensive backmatter includes lists of presidents and places to visits, Web resources and a bibliography, including a few sources for young readers. An engaging history of a country through the biography of its most famous dwelling. (Nonfiction. 8-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.