The White House

Children's Literature

Imagine having one million people visit your house each year. Although it may seem too crowded for your house, the President of the United States has plenty of rooms in his house—better known as the White House. This unique building not only serves as a symbol for the American presidency, but also provides a home for the president. Designed by architect James Hoban in 1792, the White House has seen many periods of construction and work. The first president to live here, John Adams, moved into a home that wasn't quite finished. President Andrew Jackson spent the night away from the White House after boisterous crowds trampled through the rooms on the evening of his Inauguration. Through the years, the White House has survived fire, unstable walls and ever-changing leadership while remaining one of the most widely recognized symbols of our country's freedoms and ideals. Combining readable text with insider photographs, Hess takes readers on a tour of this famous building while providing fun facts and stories along the way. 2003, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 8 to 12.
— Leah Hanson

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Designed for solidly independent readers, these engaging, well-written books present basic facts about their topics and also include insets with little-known trivia. In American Flag, Hess explores the many designs of this emblem and the legend of Betsy Ross. In Liberty Bell, she discusses how the bell was made, its role in the Revolutionary War, and how it cracked. In Statue of Liberty, she describes Lady Liberty's origins and construction, the symbolism and meaning of different parts of the statue, Ellis Island, and recent renovations. The White House offers a fascinating look at the mansion, how it has changed over the years, and why it is so important. All four titles have full-color photographs and reproductions of famous paintings. Libraries already owning the "American Symbols" series (Children's) will find these comparable, although Hess's titles are written for a slightly older audience.-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.