Where Is the White House?

Where is/are...?

by Megan Stine, Who H.Q., David Groff (Illustrator)

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 got to live there. All 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 intriguing glimpses into the lives of the First Families--from John and Abigail Adams to Barack and Michelle Obama.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Juvenile, Geography, Biography, American History

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2015

About the author

Megan Stine is the Editor-in-Chief of Real U Guides and the author of more than 100 books for young readers including Trauma-Rama, an etiquette book for teenagers published by Seventeen magazine, and several titles in a series based on the popular 1990’s television series Party of Five. A frequent writer of books in the enormously popular Mary-Kate and Ashley series, she is the best-selling author of Likes Me, Likes Me Not and Instant Boyfriend. She has worked with CBS and ABC in developing comedy and drama television pilots, and has written comedy material for a well-known radio personality in New York.

When she isn’t writing, she is a portrait and fine art photographer and a contributing photographer for the Real U series of guides.

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the current president was recently quoted calling this magnificent building "a dump." It is too bad that he can not appreciate it. Perhaps he needs to read the engraving in the mantel in the State Dining Room as quoted by John Adams:
" I pray to Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise Men ever rule under this roof."

[Tracy The Great · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it was a good book because it has a lot of good information about the white house and all of the president that lived in the white house and what they had for pets!

[Chelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the best books of this series that I’ve read! I loved the wide array of information that it gave.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Is the White House? by Megan Stine is from the "Where Is..." series and provides historical information about the building of the White House and Washington DC. George Washington was directly involved in the design and location selection for the United States capitol city. The selection criteria was to not be located in any one state or existing city as that may be taken as favoritism. So land was carved out from two states to create an independent Federal zone that would eventually include all major government offices and buildings including the White House. The author provides details of the need for such a location and the process for site selection and design work. Because of the timing to complete the building, George Washington is the only US President who did not live at the White House as it was finished after he left office. John Adams, the second president, was the first occupant. The author shares many of the well known as well as mostly unknown facts and stories about the White House.

[Yuuki Nakashima · Rating 5 out of 5]

The facts and episodes related to the White House in this book might be well-known in the states, but at least for me, most of things were new and so interesting. There were a lot of intriguing trivia that I wanna tell people around me!

[Paislee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it taught me about all the rooms and even the great parties at the White House. Also, there are 6 floors. It also taught me a lot about the presidents

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where is the White House? is a great book to learn about the history of the most famous house in the world. Her are ten facts I learned from reading this book.

(1). George Washington is the only President who never lived in the White House.
(2). Slaves that were "rented" from their owners built the White House.
(3). When the White House was built it wasn't actually white!
(4). When the White House was fourteen years old the British and the Americans went to war. British came and burnt the White House. The whole building had to be rebuilt.
(5). When Abraham Lincoln Lived with his wife and children in the White House his wife bought a mahogany bed. It is called Lincoln's bed even though he never slept in it.
(6).The East Room is the largest room in the White House.
(7). The White House has its own movie theater, swimming pool, and bowling alley.
(8).Only one President ever was married in the White House Grover Cleveland.
(9). Seventeen Weddings have been held in the White House.
(10). Teddy Roosevelt used to have people fight him in the East hall.

This is a very educational book about the history of the most famous House in America.
-Jocelyn Kuntz

[Natalie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting book! Has some fun facts I never knew! There is a nice map at the end that folds out which is fun to look at.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

THis was a great book

[Kassie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this out-loud to my kids and learned a lot in the process! I was surprised by a lot of things in this book.

[Brielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the facts about the White House

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very informative juvenile nonfiction book was so full of information about the White House, its former residents, and lots of interesting stories. I'll list some of the things Ive learned. George Washington surveyed the land for the future WHITE HOUSE, but he's the only president that hasn't lived in it. James Hoban, an Irish immigrant, designed the building, but it was mainly built by slaves and free blacks. John Adams got lost IN THE WOODS moving into the White House. Pierre L'Enfant is highly regarded for his intricate, formal designing of Washington D. C., yet he was dismissed. L'Enfant obstinately defiled the city commission and removed an influential DC resident so he could replace the area with an avenue. First lady Sarah Polk fired all her paid servants and used only slaves in the White House to save money. Madison was the first president to serve ice cream to his guests. Paul Jennings, the most famous White House slave, started at age 10 AND WORKED until his master, PRESIDENT James Madison died-- Madison's will granted Paul his freedom! President Teddy Roosevelt was the first to name his residence as the 'White House', and Roosevelt added the East & West wings to the White House. Andrew Jackson had a big party for the public, and the crowd became too rowdy. Jackson escaped from the party by crawling out a window! President Benjamin Harrison had electric lights, but he was afraid to switch them on. The public did not like First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, with her excessive spending during the Civil War--when our all the soldiers didn't have blankets. There are six floors in the White House-including the basements. The East room is the largest room in the White House. A grand piano crashed through the ceiling during President Ford's term. Ford's daughter held her school prom in the East room. The White House has 132 rooms including 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces & 3 elevators. The Presidential desk is a very intesting story--too long to tell, but one interesting fact, President Kennedy's 2 year old son loved to play in it and open the front door & play "Peek-a-Boo" with Daddy. The Oval Office is located in the West Wing. It has 4 doors--two of them are secret doors. So many other cool facts & stories in this little book.










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[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1970 congress decides to build a new capital city on the Potomac river. 2 years later George Washington marks the spot where he wants the white house. In 1800 John Adams is the first president to live in the white house. 14 years later British forces burn the white house down in war. Mary Lincoln spends 20,000 dollars redecorating the white house in 1861. 2 years later Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan 1st in the white house. 2 more years after that Lincoln is shot and body is brought to the white house. In 1891 electricity is added to the white house while Benjamin Franklin is in House. In the same year Theodore Roosevelt makes the "White house" the Official name.1948 The white House is gutted and improved. A balcony is added, called the Truman Balcony

I really liked this book. It gave a lot of info on the white house. It is one of my favorite books in the series. The things I liked about this book is that it gave a lot of info. I didn't have any dislikes on the book. I would recommend this book to a person who like history.
'

[Leah Hartzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with my son Edison.

Kids book review: The book was great! We read it in one setting. The book had really interesting facts for kids and myself. There were a lot of key facts that stood out in my son’s head that he mentioned during days after.

I really like the books in this series.

[Karthika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have given more information and be less narrative about the geography of the rooms.

[Denise Tannock · Rating 5 out of 5]

These who is, who was, where is, etc books, published by WhoHQ, are fabulous reads and are so informative in a gentle way.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

it have many introduction to the White House, the book is very good=))

[Rainbow Bay Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 min book review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBikR...

[Emmeline Homer |meet me at midnight| aka bookwormpanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn, Teddy Rosevelt was crazy.

[Erica Flory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot

[Cathy Boris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative

[Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it was teaching me about the White House.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my continuing preparation for the third grade reading project I am involved with - to better know and understand books for 8 & 9 year olds and to help me decide if I will recommend them.

Well this is really a good book - if does more than "where" - it explains many things such as the founding and events that happened there - many of which I was not aware of.

It is an easy read, I think, at grade level or even a bit below and good for those a bit stronger.

Our children get to choose books against a budget and this book is a good choice for that program and I do evaluate the books I feel that there are a lot of words per dollar. The children are given a budget to work from.

So if one has children about that age it is good book as are many of the others in the Who/What/Where is series.

[Alexandre Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was very good because it told me the history of Washington, D.C and the White house.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this short book about the White House aloud to the kids.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1792 George Washington hammered stakes into the ground to mark where the White House would be built, he died the year before it was completed and never got to live there. Both Maryland and Virginia gave up land to create a new capital city along the Potomac River that was to be named after the first president.

The White House was designed by James Hoban after he won a design contest, many workers including slaves helped build it. John and Abigail Adams moved into the White House in 1800, they moved out only a few months later when Thomas Jefferson became president. In 1814 the British army captured the White House and set it on fire, the president and staff left so quickly that night that the British soldiers ate the dinner prepared for them before they destroyed the house. Over the years many changes were made to the White House. When it was first built there were no bathrooms, now there are 35. The first telephone was installed in 1879, the phone number at the time was “1”, electric lights were added in 1891. In 1948 Harry and Bess Truman moved out of the house for 3 years so it could be completely rebuilt, it now has 6 floors.

Teddy Roosevelt held boxing matches in the East room, one time he was accidentally punched during a match there. The house has a movie theater and bowling ally, at one time there was an indoor pool where the Press Briefing Room now sits. It was fun to learn about the history and uses of each of the rooms, especially since we visited many of them during our White House tour last year.

We learned about the Secret Service and also the 22 members that make up the president's cabinet. Lily and I were surprised to learn that “Woodrow Wilson let a flock of sheep graze there during World War I so the government wouldn't have to pay to mow the lawn.” p 43. Many pets have lived in the White House, mostly dogs, but when Teddy Roosevelt's family lived there they had snakes, a badger, macaw, parrot, cats, guinea pigs, rats, goats, and even a baby bear!

“The White House belongs to the people of the United States, and it is a treasure. It's constantly changing, but at the same time, its history is preserved for generations to come.” p 103.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1792 George Washington hammered stakes into the ground to mark where the White House would be built, he died the year before it was completed and never got to live there. Both Maryland and Virginia gave up land to create a new capital city along the Potomac River that was to be named after the first president.

The White House was designed by James Hoban after he won a design contest, many workers including slaves helped build it. John and Abigail Adams moved into the White House in 1800, they moved out only a few months later when Thomas Jefferson became president. In 1814 the British army captured the White House and set it on fire, the president and staff left so quickly that night that the British soldiers ate the dinner prepared for them before they destroyed the house. Over the years many changes were made to the White House. When it was first built there were no bathrooms, now there are 35. The first telephone was installed in 1879, the phone number at the time was “1”, electric lights were added in 1891. In 1948 Harry and Bess Truman moved out of the house for 3 years so it could be completely rebuilt, it now has 6 floors.

Teddy Roosevelt held boxing matches in the East room, one time he was accidentally punched during a match there. The house has a movie theater and bowling ally, at one time there was an indoor pool where the Press Briefing Room now sits. It was fun to learn about the history and uses of each of the rooms, especially since we visited many of them during our White House tour last year.

We learned about the Secret Service and also the 22 members that make up the president's cabinet. My dad and I were surprised to learn that “Woodrow Wilson let a flock of sheep graze there during World War I so the government wouldn't have to pay to mow the lawn.” p 43. Many pets have lived in the White House, mostly dogs, but when Teddy Roosevelt's family lived there they had snakes, a badger, macaw, parrot, cats, guinea pigs, rats, goats, and even a baby bear!

“The White House belongs to the people of the United States, and it is a treasure. It's constantly changing, but at the same time, its history is preserved for generations to come.” p 103.

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is the White House by Megan Stine provides an excellent description of the White House, how it was built, and the history of it! The story starts off by the author explaining the building plan of the house, and how George Washington originally wanted it to look. After, they start to explain minor renovations made to the White House, like how the North entrance is no longer used except for special occasions. After, the author explains the first people to do certain things in the White House. For example, the first president to get married in the White House was Grover Cleveland. Finally, the book finishes in modern day traditions, and things being done currently in the white house.

In my opinion, this book deserves more credit than it's been given. The author obviously put lots of research and thought in to this book. Along with that, there's details about the White House that most people haven't even heard of, even some things people in the White House don't even know. Personally, I learned lots about America's history, and about the White House.

I learned lots about America's history, and the White House, because of this I would recommend the book "Where is the White House" to kids of all ages, starting at fifth grade. Even most adults would find out lots of interesting things about the White House, and this book would easily entertain anyone, even if you're an adult!

[Chralexandtopher Fleaffaeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Is The White House By Megan Stine Is A Great Book! It Was Great Summary Telling The Centuries Of Work Put Into Making, Rebuilding, And Straight Up Improving The White House. It Was Cool Interesting Facts About The White House Such As George Washington Was The Only President That Never Lived In The White House But Was One Of The People That Thought Of All The Original Designs For It.

Some Other Interesting Facts Are As Following; Did You Know That When The White House Was First Built In The Late 1700s The White House Was Actually More Of A Beige Color, Rather Than A White As It's Called Today. Today The White House Has Its Own Swimming Pool, Movie Theater,Bowling Alley, And Was Also Home To Many Famous High-School Reunions.In 1861, When Abraham Lincoln Was President His Wife, Mary Lincoln, Spent Over 20,000 Dollars In Revamping The House And Completely Redecorating The White House From Previous Ownership.

I recommend this book and all the "Where Is" books for people interested in short Summaries, Biographies, And Stories about famous people, events and even places.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few tidbits:

*Washington was a surveyor and he plotted the points where the new government house would be, but he never got to live in it.

*During the War of 1812 the British burned the house down.

*All of the presidents are given a budget to refurbish the white house the way they would like.

*Each president is allowed to redecorate the Oval Office.

*The Resolute desk was a gift from the Queen of England.

Honestly, the history of the White House was not as interesting as the Where Is the Great Wall? but it was still a good read. This is a fun series that my fourth graders love. Great for kids and adults.