   | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 12/01/2020 Gr 3–7—Brower offers an introduction to the White House for young readers. The text covers a lot of ground, including the duties of White House staff, the architecture, and the general history of the building. Chapters detail moving day, dining, growing up in the White House, pets, and White House ghosts. Fun facts, photographs, anecdotes from staff and residents, and entertaining lists such as "Favorite Foods of Some of the Presidents" are sprinkled throughout. Readers will be surprised to learn new things. In the chapter "Understanding the Past: Race and the White House," Brower states, "the White House—like the nation it represents—has always had a complicated relationship with race." This chapter focuses on the history of race and racism in the White House and the United States, but it leaves no room for conversation about race relations in our country today. A selected bibliography, discussion questions, and further reading are included. VERDICT This book is sure to intrigue many older elementary and middle school students. Purchase where historical and political nonfiction circulates well.—Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/15/2020 In preparing this very readable introduction to the White House, Brower drew on her experiences as a former White House correspondent and her interviews and research for The Residence (2015) and First Women (2016), both written for adults. Arranged thematically rather than chronologically, the book includes chapters on topics such as the house itself, the permanent staff members, the presidents’ children, and the Secret Service. The book offers some surprising information and many anecdotes about the house and its residents, particularly during the last 60 years. Even the lists of the presidents’ favorite foods and the presidents’ and First Ladies’ Secret Service code names are enjoyable. But while Brower acknowledges some difficult times, such as Kennedy’s untimely death and Nixon’s resignation, she avoids controversy, preferring to create a bland, pleasant portrayal of White House residents and staff. The occasional black-and-white illustrations include photos of residents and staff, maps of the building and grounds, and a small vignette in each chapter heading. A limited but informative behind-the-scenes view of what happens at the White House. - Copyright 2020 Booklist. Loading...
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