A 2015 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 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, with The White House for Kids as your guide, you can explore the Executive Mansion for yourself. This intriguing, in-depth history of the White House explains its role as a home, an office, and a powerful symbol of the United States and 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; which first lady hung her laundry to dry in the East Room; where first families go to work, entertain, relax, and have fun; how the White House staff feels to see beloved presidential families come and go; and much more. Crosscurricular activities allow readers to walk in the footsteps of presidents and those around them. Gr 4–7—House has provided a great resource for readers seeking to learn more about the famous residence and its role in American history, past and present. The text describes the White House's transformation from its early beginnings to the landmark we know today. Amid many kid-friendly facts and anecdotes, descriptions of the role of the building as an office, workplace, and home for the First Family are delivered. Chapters focusing on holidays, home life, entertaining, and growing up there provide a complete view of the building. The text is generously accompanied by photographs through the years as well as its many inhabitants, and a time line marks monumental moments in history. Engaging activities geared toward bringing history alive include baking Chelsea Clinton's favorite chocolate chip cookies, practicing signing a bill the way a president does, and creating a model White House. An in-depth and engaging introduction to our nation's most famous home.—Lauren M. Sinacore, George M. Davis Elementary School, New Rochelle , NY The newest entry in the 21 Activities series presents the White House, one of the most storied places in America. After opening with a biography and a tour of the building itself, the remaining chapters draw from more than two centuries of history to discuss how people have worked, grown up, entertained, celebrated holidays, and created their family homes at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The clearly written text is full of anecdotes that bring the past to life. From making White House Fruit Punch to designing a modern presidential complex, the activities will suit a broad range of interests and abilities. Besides showcasing these activities, the book’s wide pages offer plenty of space for informative sidebars and well-chosen photos, including pictures of nineteenth-century presidents and their families, a twenty-first-century view of the national security team in the Situation Room, and several shots of White House pets. Attractive, informative, and up-to-date, this is a solid choice for library collections. Grades 4-7. --Carolyn Phelan "An engaging history of a country through the biography of its most famous dwelling." — Kirkus Reviews   "A great resource. . . . [An] in-depth and engaging introduction to our nation's most famous home." — School Library Journal "Attractive, informative, and up-to-date, this is a solid choice for library collections." — Booklist "Kids who are interested in our president's home will learn plenty here...I can't get over the kid-friendliness of this book, or the plethora of photos, or the abundance of sidebars, and I think children will like it." —The Bookworm Sez “This is a  must  purchase for a school or classroom library and also a book you might want to have your child read before a visit to the nation's capital.” —BookLoons “This is a  must  purchase for a school or classroom library and also a book you might want to have your child read before a visit to the nation's capital.” —BookLoons Katherine House was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in nearby Arlington, Virginia. She is the author of Lighthouses for Kids and has written articles about US and Iowa history for children’s magazines including AppleSeeds , Cobblestone , and the Goldfinch .