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Our White House

Looking In, Looking Out

Illustrated by Various
Introduction by David McCullough
Paperback
$16.99 US
9.31"W x 10.87"H x 0.7"D   | 39 oz | 10 per carton
On sale Sep 14, 2010 | 256 Pages | 978-0-7636-4609-7
Age 10 and up | Grade 5 & Up
Reading Level: Lexile NC1110L | Fountas & Pinnell Y
More than one hundred leading authors and illustrators donate their talents in a creative tour de force that is making history.

Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, this outstanding collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, and poetry melds with an equally stunning array of original art to offer a look at America’s history through the prism of the White House. Starting with a 1792 call for designers and continuing through the present day, these highly engaging writings and illustrations, expressing varied viewpoints and interwoven with key historical events, are a vital resource for family and classroom sharing — and a stirring 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.
  • SELECTION
    ALA Notable Children's Book
  • SELECTION
    Horn Book Fanfare
  • SELECTION
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • SELECTION
    Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year
Fascinating information, challenging ideas, and appealing artwork.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Among the most provocative entries are works by artists who 'look in' on the White House with a demonstrably personal vision: David Small shares color sketches of 'backstairs at the White House,' a study in contrasts; Bob Kolar arranges the presidents as if on a board game, with clever annotations (who knew President Arthur held a yard sale while in office?)...the volume makes the invaluable point that history does not have to be remote or abstract, but a personal and ongoing engagement.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Unique bits and pieces (including Jefferson’s fascination with fossils and William Henry Harrison’s purchase of a national cow) create a browser’s dream as readers explore the nooks and crannies of American history
—The Horn Book (starred review)

About

More than one hundred leading authors and illustrators donate their talents in a creative tour de force that is making history.

Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, this outstanding collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, and poetry melds with an equally stunning array of original art to offer a look at America’s history through the prism of the White House. Starting with a 1792 call for designers and continuing through the present day, these highly engaging writings and illustrations, expressing varied viewpoints and interwoven with key historical events, are a vital resource for family and classroom sharing — and a stirring 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.

Awards

  • SELECTION
    ALA Notable Children's Book
  • SELECTION
    Horn Book Fanfare
  • SELECTION
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • SELECTION
    Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year

Praise

Fascinating information, challenging ideas, and appealing artwork.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Among the most provocative entries are works by artists who 'look in' on the White House with a demonstrably personal vision: David Small shares color sketches of 'backstairs at the White House,' a study in contrasts; Bob Kolar arranges the presidents as if on a board game, with clever annotations (who knew President Arthur held a yard sale while in office?)...the volume makes the invaluable point that history does not have to be remote or abstract, but a personal and ongoing engagement.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Unique bits and pieces (including Jefferson’s fascination with fossils and William Henry Harrison’s purchase of a national cow) create a browser’s dream as readers explore the nooks and crannies of American history
—The Horn Book (starred review)

Author