~ MIDDLE GRADE NON-FICTION
FEATURE ~
'1,000 Facts About the White House'
by Author Sarah Wassner Flynn
READ MORE ON GOODREADS
This informative book has an appealing format and is filled with excellent black and white and color photos. Not all of the 1,000 facts in the book are what I would consider fun trivia. The very serious matters of slavery and presidential assassinations are addressed in the chapter entitled, '75 Timeless Facts About White House History'.
Highly recommended for teachers, librarians, students, parents, grandparents, and fans of American and/or Presidential history.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
I was inspired to read this book after watching a special about the history of the White House on PBS Television in December, 2017. History was my favorite subject in high school and college, so I took a lot of courses in American history during that period. I mistakingly believed I already knew a lot about this subject!
I was inspired to read this book after watching a special about the history of the White House on PBS Television in December, 2017. History was my favorite subject in high school and college, so I took a lot of courses in American history during that period. I mistakingly believed I already knew a lot about this subject!
This informative book has an appealing format and is filled with excellent black and white and color photos. Not all of the 1,000 facts in the book are what I would consider fun trivia. The very serious matters of slavery and presidential assassinations are addressed in the chapter entitled, '75 Timeless Facts About White House History'.
Readers are reminded that enslaved African-Americans were among those who constructed the mansion in the late 1790's. Details about the public viewing of Abraham Lincoln's body in the White House and John F. Kennedy's flag-draped coffin are also in this chapter. Updated details about current security measures for the interior and exterior of the mansion are included.
Some of the more light-hearted chapters include 'Festive Facts About Christmas in the White House', 'Wild Facts About Presidential Pets', 'Playful Facts About White House Kids', and 'Sporty Facts About the White House'.
Did you know that President Calvin Coolidge's many pets included a pygmy hippo and a wallaby? Did you ever hear the story about the time President Theodore Roosevelt's son Archie brought the family's pet pony into the White House, onto the elevator, and up to his sick brother's bedroom for a visit? My personal favorite was the fact that First Lady Dolley Madison walked around with her pet parrot perched on her shoulder while she visited with White House guests.
I enjoyed learning even more about our nation's presidential home. I realized after reading this book that I did not have the broad knowledge of the home's history I thought I had before I read the book. Proving yet again that old dogs can learn new tricks!
Some of the more light-hearted chapters include 'Festive Facts About Christmas in the White House', 'Wild Facts About Presidential Pets', 'Playful Facts About White House Kids', and 'Sporty Facts About the White House'.
Did you know that President Calvin Coolidge's many pets included a pygmy hippo and a wallaby? Did you ever hear the story about the time President Theodore Roosevelt's son Archie brought the family's pet pony into the White House, onto the elevator, and up to his sick brother's bedroom for a visit? My personal favorite was the fact that First Lady Dolley Madison walked around with her pet parrot perched on her shoulder while she visited with White House guests.
I enjoyed learning even more about our nation's presidential home. I realized after reading this book that I did not have the broad knowledge of the home's history I thought I had before I read the book. Proving yet again that old dogs can learn new tricks!
Highly recommended for teachers, librarians, students, parents, grandparents, and fans of American and/or Presidential history.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
*****CURRENT GIVEAWAYS: Check out the two US print-copy giveaways I'm running by visiting my 'Current Giveaways' page.*****
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
-- Wednesday, February 21st: A book spotlight and excerpt from Author Tammy James Hesler's inspirational romance release, 'Mountains of Love: A Novella for the Heart'. Stop by to read about Tammy's inspiring life story and to learn about her novella.
-- Friday, February 23rd: Author
interview, book spotlight, and giveaway with debut Cedar Fort author
Shawn Pollock. One lucky US reader will win a hardcover copy of Shawn's
debut World War II historical novel, 'The Road to Freedom'.
# # # # #
This book sounds really neat! Judging from your example facts, I also apparently don't know much about the history of the White House. I'll have to try this book! Thanks so much for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your enthusiastic comments, and I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Thanks for stopping by. [PS--I love your blog!} Sincerely, June
DeleteThis sounds like a fun and informative source for kids and adults alike. A great one to pass the time away on long trips. Thanks for your enthusiastic review.
ReplyDeleteHi, Greg ~ I hadn't thought of it before, but you're right. This would be a great book to read in short spurts when there isn't a lot of time to read a full chapter in a novel. Thanks for your remarks. Best, June
DeletePerfect choice today for kids who devour facts. I would enjoy reading this book. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Patricia. Thanks for stopping by the blog to celebrate another MMGM. Sincerely, June
ReplyDeleteA very timely choice, and it sounds like a fun read! I'm with your in always enjoying history classes--I even surprised myself by ending up with a history degree--but I'm certain I would learn a ton from this book! Thanks for the recommend. It's going on my list!
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to meet another history buff, Suzanne! Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you enjoy this book. Sincerely, June
DeleteI love books like this. Adults and kids both love learning fun facts.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about kids of all ages enjoying learning fun new facts, Janet. Thanks for your comments. Best, June
Delete