White House Kids, The

Talks about the children who have lived in the White House from Susan Adams, daughter of John Quincy Adams, to Chelsea Clinton

Grade 4-6-An interesting look at the children and grandchildren of our American presidents. Illustrated with black-and-white (and a few full-color) photographs and reproductions, the readable, chronological text allows youngsters to contemplate antics such as roller skating down the halls of the White House or star gazing from the roof, as well as the realities of waiting to get an appointment to see the president and dating under the surveillance of the Secret Service. Along with stories about the children, readers are given some information about the presidents, their personal lives, and historical context. The book, however, covers too much ground to offer more than a superficial take on any one individual. It does provide another dimension in the study of our political leaders and adds some concrete details about their offspring. The authors' conclusion, based on their research, is that being a White House kid is not so great; it means living in a fishbowl and forgoing many normal pleasures of growing up. The novelty of this topic and the attractive design may draw general readers and enhance reports. A suitable addition to library collections.
Melissa Gross, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4^-7. The White House may be the president's residence, but the authors note that a number of children have also called it home, from John Adams' granddaughter, a toddler known for her temper tantrums, to Bill Clinton's daughter, Chelsea. Readable as well as responsibly written, the book incorporates research on earlier inhabitants and comments from more recent residents about the pleasures and perils of growing up while the whole world is watching. Illustrations, some in color, include photographs and reproductions of early paintings and prints. An intriguing sidelight on presidential history. Carolyn Phelan