How the White House Really Works

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-- In this inside look at the White House, Sullivan provides both contemporary information, describing how to visit and call the White House, and historical perspective, describing how the staff, functions, and appearance of the White House have changed over the years. The various operations are covered in separate chapters, with each explaining a topic such as staff, correspondence, official functions, recreational facilities, and security. Sullivan does a very good job of showing young readers how the White House is many things at once: a home, a place to entertain official visitors, the executive office, and a museum, and how all of these are coordinated by a large and capable staff. Anecdotes about how the Presidents and their families have used the White House and some of the changes they have made add interest. Photos show some of the facilities in the White House as well as various Presidents and staff members. Both informative and entertaining, this book provides more background and inside information than the numerous editions of The White House Historical Association's The White House , and is a good companion to titles such as The Last Cow on the White House Lawn: and Other Little Known Facts About the Presidency (Doubleday, 1978; o.p.) by Barbara Seuling. It would be a good addition to libraries needing information about one of our nation's treasures. --Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, Mo.