Publishers Weekly
10/26/2020
This chatty behind-the-scenes look at life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue offers an uneven survey of its history and inner workings. Former White House correspondent Brower, who has written about this subject for adults, pays particular attention to the approximately 100 permanent nonpartisan employees, including the butlers, florists, plumbers, and chefs who keep the 132-room mansion running. The narrative offers architectural details, such as Taft’s adding the Oval Office; shines light into the experience of first children and pets; recounts ghost stories; and serves up choice details about U.S. presidents, including their favorite meals and quirks. Though much of the read is enjoyable, a story about Dolley Madison is repeated, and Jackie Kennedy receives more coverage than other first ladies. While a chapter on race—“Understanding the Past: Race and the White House”—grapples with the history of a house built by enslaved people, it also treats racism as a historical issue rather than a systemic and ongoing one. Includes a timeline, questions, list of presidents and first ladies, and recommended reading. Ages 8–12. Agent: Howard Yoon, Ross Yoon Agency. (Dec.)■
From the Publisher
Brower provides a fine overview of what it’s like to live [in the White House].This entertaining treatment conveys genuine respect for White House employees. Engaging.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Chatty behind-the-scenes look at life at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Enjoyable." — Publishers Weekly
"The book offers some surprising information and many anecdotes about the house and its residents. A[n] informative behind-the-scenes view of what happens at the White House." — Booklist
"Brower offers an introduction to the White House for young readers. Readers will be surprised to learn new things. This book is sure to intrigue." — School Library Journal
Booklist
"The book offers some surprising information and many anecdotes about the house and its residents. A[n] informative behind-the-scenes view of what happens at the White House."
Booklist
"The book offers some surprising information and many anecdotes about the house and its residents. A[n] informative behind-the-scenes view of what happens at the White House."
School Library Journal
12/01/2020
Gr 3–7—Brower offers an introduction to the White House for young readers. The text covers a lot of ground, including the duties of White House staff, the architecture, and the general history of the building. Chapters detail moving day, dining, growing up in the White House, pets, and White House ghosts. Fun facts, photographs, anecdotes from staff and residents, and entertaining lists such as "Favorite Foods of Some of the Presidents" are sprinkled throughout. Readers will be surprised to learn new things. In the chapter "Understanding the Past: Race and the White House," Brower states, "the White House—like the nation it represents—has always had a complicated relationship with race." This chapter focuses on the history of race and racism in the White House and the United States, but it leaves no room for conversation about race relations in our country today. A selected bibliography, discussion questions, and further reading are included. VERDICT This book is sure to intrigue many older elementary and middle school students. Purchase where historical and political nonfiction circulates well.—Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH
Kirkus Reviews
2020-09-10
An introduction to the White House, the residence of every American president except Washington and for many years, the largest home in the country.
It’s currently staffed by 100 nonpartisan employees, including five full-time florists and the head of the storeroom, who shops incognito for the first family’s groceries in an unmarked Secret Service vehicle. From the building’s construction to its more whimsical occupants, including children and pets, Brower provides a fine overview of what it’s like to live there, but she repeats some anecdotes (such as Dolley Madison’s saving the portrait of George Washington). By relegating all mention of race and prejudice, including that the house was built by enslaved construction workers, to a separate chapter titled “Understanding the Past: Race and the White House,” there is an implication that racism is over and dealt with as well as separate from, rather than an integral part of, U.S. history. Additionally, the only first lady Brower describes as having to get used to the size and grandeur of the White House is Michelle Obama. (And the only baby born in the White House wasn’t little Esther Cleveland in 1893—it was a child of Ursula Granger Hughes, one of Thomas Jefferson’s enslaved cooks, 91 years earlier.) This entertaining treatment conveys genuine respect for White House employees but contains serious missteps when it comes to inclusivity.
Engaging but marginalizing. (maps, timeline, discussion questions, presidents and first ladies, selected bibliography, further reading, endnotes) (Nonfiction. 8-14)
