The White House

Children's Literature - Lisa Colozza Cocca

This nonfiction title, part of the "All About American Symbols" series, introduces the White House to children. The sparse text, written to Fountas and Pinnell Level B, is supported by full color photographs of Washington DC, the White House, and the people who live and work there. The facts included are minimal, no history of the building is given; however, the text does show the building is used as both a home and a workplace. Teachers might find this useful in meeting state social studies standards on national symbols. However, some caution is advised. In describing the activities that occur in the White House, there is a double page spread with a photograph of President Obama meeting with a group of people in the White House. The text reads, "He meets with people. They make laws." Children will likely interpret this as the president makes the laws, since he is sitting and talking to his advisers. This is factually incorrect; Congress makes the laws. Some clarification by the adult reader will help avoid misconceptions about the law making process. The book includes an easy to use table of contents and index. Back matter also includes books and web sites for further information. Some suggestions focus on the subject of the book, the White House, while others focus on related topics: President Obama and White House pets. Reviewer: Lisa Colozza Cocca