Welcome to the White House! Go behind the scenes to get a 360-degree view of America’s most famous presidential residence, from how it was built in 1792 and the fire of 1812, to today’s state dinners, celebrations, celebrity pets, and more. Discover through fun-to-read facts what it’s like to live and work at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Read about its quirky rules and how the Secret Service keeps it safe. Find out how the kids who have lived there play, watch movies, and entertain friends. With a treasure trove of material from the White House Historical Association, this book presents a fascinating story of the building and the many people who have shaped its 225-year history. 8-12 years
Exploring the White House: Inside America’s Most Famous Home
By Kate Anderson Brower
Have you ever wondered what exactly goes on inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Sure, the president of the United States works and resides there, but do you know who helps keep this historic house running?
It’s no simple task, especially when there are important state events and foreign dignitaries—in addition to presidential pups, mischievous children, and even a couple of ghosts. And its residence workers and first ladies make sure everything is in check and running smoothly. Featuring fascinating photos, fun facts, and memorable quotes from the residents and first ladies of the White House. 8-12 years
Bones in the White House: Thomas Jefferson’s Mammoth
By Candice Ransom, Illustrated by Jamey Christoph
In the late 1700’s, America was a new nation, with a vast west that held age-old secrets: Bones! Massive tusks and enormous animal skeletons were being discovered and Thomas Jefferson – politician AND scientist – was captivated. What were these giant beasts? Did they still roam on American soil? Jefferson needed to find out.
Funding explorers, including the famed Lewis and Clark, Jefferson sought to find a complete prehistoric mastodon skeleton – one which would advance the young science of paleontology, but would also put this upstart young country on the world stage. Follow along on the incredible journey – full of triumphs and disappointments, discoveries and shipwrecks, ridicule and victory. 3-7 years
My Little Golden Book About the White House
By Jen Arena and Viviana Garofoli
Little ones will learn that George Washington himself chose the building site. And nearly every president has left his mark–from Thomas Jefferson’s introduction of “water closets”–early toilets!–to Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden. Kids will gain a clear understanding of the role the White House plays in American life and culture. Fun anecdotes about the rowdy Roosevelt children riding metal trays down the staircase, the annual Easter Egg Roll, and how cows for milk were once kept there complete this nonfiction Little Golden Book. 2-5 years
Curious About the White House
By Kate Waters
Everybody knows the building at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s the White House, home to US presidents, first ladies, first children, and even first pets! But aren’t you curious: why is the house white (and how many gallons of paint keep it that way)? Who built the place? How many rooms are in there and what are they used for? Where does the president work? Where does the first family live? Is there really a bowling alley in the White House? The text and photographs in this fact-filled 8 x 8 will answer all these questions and more about daily life in the most famous house in America. 6-8 years
Where is the White House?
By Megan Stine, Illustrated by David Graff
The history of the White House, first completed in 1799, reflects the history of America itself. It was the dream of George Washington to have an elegant “presidential mansion” in the capital city that was named after him. Yet, he is the only president who never lived there. The rest have made their mark–for better or worse–on the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Megan Stine explains how the White House came to be and offers young readers glimpses into the lives of the First Families–from John and Abigail Adams to Barack and Michelle Obama. 8-12 years
The White House Cat
By Cylin Busby, Illustrated by Neely Daggett
You’ve heard of the President, the First Lady, and maybe even some first dogs who have lived at the White House. But what about the first cat? Follow along on this very special tour of the People’s House—you’ll see who really runs things around here. . . . With detailed illustrations and fun facts about this historic residence—and the real first cats—this picture book is the perfect way to introduce children to the White House. 4-8 years
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out
By 108 Authors and Illustrators
Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, this collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, poetry and original art offers a look at America’s history through the prism of the White House. These are a reminder that the story of the White House is the story of every American. Back matter includes source notes, notes on contributor, and an index. 10 and up
Diana’s White House Garden
By Elisa Carbone, Illustrated by Jen Hill
Diana Hopkins lived in a white house. THE White House.
World War II is in full force across the seas. It’s 1943, President Roosevelt is in office, and Diana’s father, Harry Hopkins, is his chief adviser. And Diana wants to be part of the war effort. After some missteps (her quarantine sign on her father’s office door was not well-received,) the President requests her help with his newest plan for the country’s survival: Victory Gardens!
This is the true story of how Diana Hopkins started her own Victory Garden on the White House lawn under the tutelage of Eleanor Roosevelt. With dedication and patience, she showed the nation that the war effort started first on the home front. 5-8 years
The White House for Kids: A History, a House, Office, and National Symbol with 21 Activities
By Katherine L. House
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live and work in the most important house in the country? Or what it’s like to grow up there? Now, you can explore the Executive Mansion for yourself. This in-depth history of the White House explains its role as a office and a powerful symbol of the United States. It tells both famous and little-known stories about some of the surprising—and sometimes surprisingly ordinary—things that go on there.
Learn which president hosted T-ball games on the White House lawn. Which mischievous first son was scolded for shooting spitballs at a portrait of President Andrew Jackson. Which first daughter held her high school prom in the famous mansion. And which first lady hung her laundry to dry in the East Room. Cross-curricular activities allow readers to walk in the footsteps of presidents and those around them. 9 and up
White House Kids
By Joe Rhatigan, Illustrated by Jay Shin
Living in America’s most famous residence might seem glamorous at first–it’s the most fun place any kid could live! There’s a bowling alley in the basement, chefs are always available to prepare whatever you’re craving, and sometimes presidential aides will even help you with your homework! But life isn’t always easy for the youngsters who call the White House home. They’re always in the spotlight, and those pesky Secret Service agents are always around.
Filled with wacky, weird, and wonderful stories, it shows what it’s like to call the president Dad or Granddad or Uncle. Find out what schools they went to, what mischief they caused, and what pets they had. There are first-person accounts from letters and interviews, fascinating photos, original illustrations, and even a section that follows the children after they left the White House. 8-12 years
Ghosts of the White House
By Cheryl Harness
Join Sara On A Magical Tour Of The White House. The ghost of George Washington steps out of his White House portrait to introduce Sara — and the reader — to the ghosts of thirty-five other presidents. Brief biographies of all the presidents, loads of fascinating trivia, and a time line round out this unique history of the presidency. 7-10 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
A Boy Named FDR: How Franklin D. Roosevelt Grew Up to Change America
By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into one of the wealthiest families in America, yet this rich kid grew up to do more for ordinary Americans than any other president. This picture book biography shows how, from childhood on, FDR was compassionate, cheerful, determined, and enormously likable. 6-9 years
Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt
By Judith St. George
Young Franklin Roosevelt grew up knowing the finer things in life— sailing, horseback riding, and foxhunts on his family’s large estate. Growing up wealthy meant he could live a gentleman’s life, like his beloved papa. Yet gentlemen weren’t supposed to go into politics, right? But why not? As young Franklin learns from a famous uncle and a famous mentor, there is more to the world than he thought. And about politics? Well, maybe there is more to that, too. 7-10 years
Nice Work Franklin!
By Suzanne Tripp Jurman, Illustrated by Larry Day
As one of the most inspirational and determined presidents, Franklin Roosevelt overcame his disability to lead the country out of the Great Depression.
Franklin idolized his cousin Teddy Roosevelt. He wore glasses like Teddy, he spoke like Teddy and he held the same public offices as Teddy. But then one day his life changed — he developed polio and could no longer walk. Franklin had Teddy’s determination and after physical therapy and hard work he ran for governor of New York and won. Then the Great Depression spread across the country: Banks closed and thousands of people lost their jobs. So, Franklin ran for president, won the office and helped lead America out of the depression. 5-9 years
Who Was Franklin Roosevelt?
By Margaret Frith, Illustrated by John O’Brien
Although polio left him in a wheelchair, Franklin Roosevelt took office during the Great Depression and served as president during World War II. Elected four times, he spent thirteen years in the White House leading America through tremendously difficult times. 8-12 years
Diana’s White House Garden
By Elisa Carone, Illustrated by Jen Hill
World War II is in full force across the seas. It’s 1943, President Franklin Roosevelt is in office, and Diana’s father, Harry Hopkins, is his chief adviser. Diana wants to be part of the war effort. After some well-intentioned missteps, the president requests her help with his newest plan for country’s survival: Victory Gardens! This is the true story of how Diana Hopkins started her own Victory Garden on the White House lawn under the tutelage of Eleanor Roosevelt. With dedication and patience, she showed the nation that the war effort starts first on the home front. 5-8 years
First Dog Fala
By Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery
Meet the Scottish terrier who won the hearts of a United States president and the American people in 1940. Fala came to live with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House. The little dog played in the grass outside the Oval Office, attended important meetings with the president’s advisers, and even dined with the president. But as America was drawn into World War II, life at the White House changed. Fala accompanied the president across the country and around the world and waited with him for the return of American servicemen and an end to a terrible war. This picture book offers young readers a glimpse into American history and the life of an American president through the story of a loyal dog. 4-8 years
Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World
By Douglas Wood, Illustrated by Barry Moser
At the height of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill held an extraordinary month-long visit. They planned the success of the Allied powers and strategized a continuing peace for the end of the war. During the Christmas holiday, they cemented a unique bond as they decided how to confront a menace that threatened all of civilization. 6-9 years
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
By Russell Freedman
Well-known author for children, Russell Freedman, traces the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from his birth in 1882, through his youth, early political career, and presidency to his death in Warm Springs, Georgia in 1945. Young Adult
Franklin Delano Roosevelt For Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities
By Richard Panchyk
Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s enduring legacy upon the history, culture, politics, and economics of the United States is introduced to children in this activity book. Kids will learn how FDR, a member of one of the founding families of America, led the nation through the darkest days of the Great Depression and World War II as president. Kids will explore Roosevelt’s entire era through such hands-on activities as staging a fireside chat, designing a WPA-style mural, sending a double encoded message, hosting a swing dance party, and participating in a political debate. 9 and up
Two Men and a Car: Franklin Roosevelt, Al Capone and a Cadillac V-8
By Michael Garland
It is December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt leads a nation in crisis. He must make a speech to a joint session of Congress that will build support for America’s entry to World War II, but to do that he needs an armored vehicle in which to make the short trip from the White House to the Capitol Building.
According to legend, the car Roosevelt rode in that day, borrowed from the FBI’s impound lot, was an armored Cadillac V-8 built for gangster Al Capone in the late 1920s to shield himself from enemies. Is the legend true, or is it an American tall tale. Either way, it’s an ideal vehicle to compare and contrast the lives of two American men who grew up within miles of one another: one a great president, the other an infamous villain. 9-12 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
President Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottish terrier, Fala, appeared in newspaper photos around the world. He was so well-known that the Secret Service gave him the code name “The Informer.” When people spotted him,they knew the president was close by. Fala traveled everywhere with the president by ship, train, and car.
Posing for photographers
Fala was born on April 7, 1940. A gift to President Roosevelt, he moved into the White House in November that year. The president named him Murray the Outlaw of Falahill after a Scottish ancestor. But the puppy was too small for such a big name. The president immediately shortened it.
An exceptionally friendly dog, Fala received lots of attention. He liked to show off his tricks to White House visitors: rolling over, jumping up, speaking, lying down, and his favorite, begging. But he never let the attention go to his head. He was a down-to-earth dog.
Fala liked to dig holes in the White House lawn, burying and digging up his bones. And he was always ready to chase the White House squirrels. At night, he slept beside the president’s bed. In the morning he enjoyed a dog biscuit when the president ate his breakfast.
He received lots of fan mail, especially from children. He starred in two short films produced by MGM. His biography, The True Story of Fala was published when he was only two years old. He was also named an honorary army private. And he was given the title President of Barkers for Britain. He had campaigned to have American dog owners donate money to help the British people in World War II.
At Hyde Park with the president and a caretaker’s daughter
Fala died on April 5, 1952. He is buried in the rose garden at Hyde Park. In 1997, a memorial to President Roosevelt was dedicated near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A statue of Fala is forever at President Roosevelt’s side.
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.
If you like this article, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
