Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America's First Lady

WINNER: BEST BOOK IN U.S. HISTORICAL FICTION, PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, 2021

Dolley Madison faces a bitterly divided Washington City when her husband, James Madison, becomes our fourth president. The prospect of war against Great Britain threatens to tear our fragile republic apart. The "Presidentess" hosts open parties in the new President's House to unite political foes and cultivate an American identity. Amidst the nonstop turmoil, this decisive First Lady takes action and inspires an anxious nation.

When President Madison declares war with disastrous results, Dolley carries on, ignoring the threats against her. However, as British soldiers march toward Washington City, she becomes their target. Now America's Second War of Independence hinges on her. What must she do to save the United States while also saving herself?

The true story of a woman with humble Quaker roots who rallies America during the War of 1812!

"A heart-pounding, front-row seat to young America's fight for survival through the eyes of the Queen of Hearts: First Lady Dolley Madison. Libby McNamee brings this dark moment of American history to life through an intimate telling rich with historical facts, vivid imagery, and thrilling action. Hail to the Presidentess and her talented scribe!"
-Jenny L. Cote, award-winning author of The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz and Epic Order of the Seven series

“McNamee has written another exciting novel— replete with historical details and a lively portrayal of a smart, determined woman who is devoted to her husband and country. From the first sentence, we are breathlessly pulled into Dolley Madison's fascinating journey as First Lady and root for her every step of the way as she navigates politics and power during a turbulent period in American history.”

—Kathryn Goodwin Tone, award-winning author of The King's Broad Arrow

“Libby Carty McNamee has done it again! She excels at bringing real women from history to life for middle grade readers. Her new novel about Dolley Madison is full of rich historical details and important events from this little-known time period, all told in a propulsive story that is exciting for children. Your child will feel like they are fleeing the British alongside Dolley! Huzzah!”

—Jayda Justus, founder of The History Mom

“Libby McNamee firmly places Dolley Madison where she belongs—as the first lady at the epicenter of the War of 1812 and as the protagonist in her own story. McNamee graciously introduces young readers to a heroine and a female founder too often overlooked for having both made and saved American history.”

—Karen A. Chase, award-winning author of Carrying Independence

“McNamee’s mastery with the pen creates characters with depth that intrinsically tie in historical accuracy to play out in a way that exhibits a paragon of historically-themed literature. Dolley’s story is our national hiSTORY, and it engages students of all ages to let the words take them back in time.”

—Judith Kalaora, Artistic Director, History At Play, and Portrayer of Dolley Madison

“McNamee has a real talent for putting the reader in a relatable front-row seat to exciting events of the past. Dolley Madison is a force to be reckoned with in this fascinating tale of the influential First Lady in a lesser known period of American history.”

—Steven K. Smith, author of The Virginia Mysteries

Libby McNamee is an author, speaker, and lawyer. She loves to learn about America's history and explore its historical sites. Her first published novel, "Susanna's Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War," was named #1 in Juvenile Fiction by the 2020 Independent Publisher Book "IPPY" Awards and the 2020 Pinnacle Book Awards. A native of Boston, she graduated from Georgetown University and Catholic University School of Law. She also served as a U.S. Army JAG Officer in Korea, Bosnia, Germany, and Washington State. Libby lives in Richmond, VA, with her patient husband, history-guru son, and zany cat. Please join Libby's monthly newsletter at LibbyMcNamee.com for historical tidbits. She would love to talk to your school, historical society, and book club!