The Story Of The White House (Blue Ribbon Book)

A photographic essay captures the history of the White House--from its humble beginnings to today--and offers portraits of the Presidents and First Ladies who have lived in it

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A subject of perennial interest is introduced in this photo-essay. Waters traces the history of the White House, gives an overview of its layout, discusses the rooms shown on tours and some that are not, and tells about some of the people employed there. The strength of the book is the photographs and reproductions of old drawings, engravings, and paintings. The photographs are mostly full color, well framed, clearly focused, and eye catching. The text is generally clear and concise but never rises above the level of a basal reader. The use of primarily short simple sentences makes it accessible to young readers but results in a book that is deadly to read aloud. The history section is on a fawn-colored background, giving it the look of an antique album. One page in another section depicts and describes various government buildings; this switch in focus from the White House to these departments and then back is made with little transition and may be confusing. A section of tiny portraits of presidents and their wives adds interest. An up-to-date bibliography will help readers find more in-depth books. Most libraries will welcome this attractive book that, along with Jill Krementz's A Visit to Washington, D. C. (Scholastic, 1987) and Roxie Munro's The Inside-Outside Book of Washington, D. C. (Dutton, 1987) introduces a frequently visited and studied part of the country.
- Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.