Our White House:
Looking In, Looking Out
by The National Children's Book and
Literacy Alliance

    OUR WHITE HOUSE: LOOKING IN, LOOKING OUT
    by The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance
    Introduction by:  David McCullough
    Category:  Anthology
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  9/9/08
    Publisher:  Candlewick
    Reviewed by:  Allison Fraclose
    Rating:  5 Stars


    On March 14, 1792, building commissioners in charge of the newly planned capitol city of the infant United States
    government issued a call for designs on a presidential mansion. The person who submitted the winning design would
    win five hundred dollars or a medal of the same value for their plans.

    Over the next few years, with the combined efforts of world renowned builders, immigrant workers, and even slaves,
    the most famous house in the country rose from the ground, and admitted its first official residents—John and Abigail
    Adams—in the year 1800.

    Today, that same house serves as much more than just the living quarters of the presidential family. Historic events
    that have shaped the course of the United States have taken place within its walls. On the flipside, some of the most
    insignificant things that have happened there have kept not only the nation, but the entire world, intrigued for
    generations.

    From devastating fires to the antics of the president’s children, from whacky pets to the ghosts of former residents,
    from the press corps to the secret service, and from weddings to some really tough decisions…these are only a few
    small slices of what this house has seen.

    To the hundreds of beings who stay, visit, and work in this house every day, and to the millions of people affected by
    what happens in it, the White House serves as a symbol of hope, peace, and togetherness, making it not just a
    presidential house, but a house that belongs to all.

    This impressive collection of stories, anecdotes, essays, and illustrations has been assembled by the National
    Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance to offer a wide range of insight into how this historic house has shaped and
    changed so many lives. They’ve also put together a comprehensive website at www.ourwhitehouse.org which
    expands on the information and stories featured in the book. You can even download a Barack Obama sticker to
    add to the line of presidents found in the book’s timetable.