Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America's First Lady

by Libby McNamee

DOLLEY MADISON UNITES YOUNG AMERICA!

Amidst the nonstop turmoil of the War of 1812, the decisive First Lady takes action and inspires an anxious nation.

Dolley Madison faces a bitterly divided Washington City when her husband, James Madison, becomes our fourth president. The prospect of war against Great Britain threatens to tear our fragile republic apart. The "Presidentess" hosts open parties in the new President's House to unite political foes and cultivate an American identity.

When President Madison declares war with disastrous results, Dolley carries on, ignoring the threats against her. However, as British soldiers march toward Washington City, she becomes their target. Now America's Second War of Independence hinges on her. What must she do to save the United States while also saving herself?

The true story of a woman with humble Quaker roots who rallies America during the War of 1812!

"A heart-pounding, front-row seat to young America's fight for survival through the eyes of the Queen of Hearts: First Lady Dolley Madison. Libby McNamee brings this dark moment of American history to life through an intimate telling rich with historical facts, vivid imagery, and thrilling action. Hail to the Presidentess and her talented scribe!"
-Jenny L. Cote, award-winning author of The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz and Epic Order of the Seven series
“McNamee has written another exciting novel— replete with historical details and a lively portrayal of a smart, determined woman who is devoted to her husband and country. From the first sentence, we are breathlessly pulled into Dolley Madison's fascinating journey as First Lady and root for her every step of the way as she navigates politics and power during a turbulent period in American history.” —Kathryn Goodwin Tone, award-winning author of The King's Broad Arrow “Libby Carty McNamee has done it again! She excels at bringing real women from history to life for middle grade readers. Her new novel about Dolley Madison is full of rich historical details and important events from this little-known time period, all told in a propulsive story that is exciting for children. Your child will feel like they are fleeing the British alongside Dolley! Huzzah!” —Jayda Justus, founder of The History Mom “Libby McNamee firmly places Dolley Madison where she belongs—as the first lady at the epicenter of the War of 1812 and as the protagonist in her own story. McNamee graciously introduces young readers to a heroine and a female founder too often overlooked for having both made and saved American history.” —Karen A. Chase, award-winning author of Carrying Independence

“McNamee’s mastery with the pen creates characters with depth that intrinsically tie in historical accuracy to play out in a way that exhibits a paragon of historically-themed literature. Dolley’s story is our national hiSTORY, and it engages students of all ages to let the words take them back in time.” —Judith Kalaora, Artistic Director, History At Play, and Portrayer of Dolley Madison “McNamee has a real talent for putting the reader in a relatable front-row seat to exciting events of the past. Dolley Madison is a force to be reckoned with in this fascinating tale of the influential First Lady in a lesser known period of American history.” —Steven K. Smith, author of The Virginia Mysteries

Genres: History, American History, Middle Grade

235 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

Hello! I am an author, historian, and recovering lawyer. I love exploring America’s many historical sites. When a descendant told me the TRUE story of Susanna Bolling from City Point/Hopewell and her heroism during the Revolutionary War, I was determined to share it with the world. “Susanna’s Midnight Ride: The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War” is my first published novel. Huzzah!

#1 GOLD AWARD from 2020 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS BOOK AWARDS ("IPPY AWARD") FOR JUVENILE FICTION
and
#1 IN JUVENILE FICTION BY 2020 PINNACLE BOOK AWARDS

"Dolley Madison & the War of 1812: America's First Lady" will release on August 24, 2021, which is the 207th anniversary of the burning of Washington City. Huzzah!!

I served as a US Army JAG Officer in Korea, Bosnia, Germany, and Washington State. A native of Boston, I graduated from Georgetown University cum laude and Catholic University Law School. I have lived in Richmond since 2000.

Website & Blog - www.LibbyMcNamee.com
Facebook Author Page - www.Facebook.com/LibbyMcNameeAuthor
Instagram - libbymcnameeauthor
LinkedIn - LibbyMcNamee

Reviews

[The History Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812 is the perfect middle grade read for kids (and adults!) who want to learn more about one of our nation’s most fascinating First Ladies and the little-known War of 1812. I learned so much by reading this book - the burning of Washington, DC, the Madisons’ treacherous flight from the city, and the political sentiment at the time. It was fun to read and educational at the same time!

I love how the author always highlights spunky and feisty women from history to inspire the next generation!

[Mary Sheriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812 is a fascinating dive into an often-overlooked corner of American history. It turns out Dolley Madison was an intriguing woman who acted as the hostess for the country. This meant entertaining statesmen and politicians, and it also involved the far more subtle arts of connecting people, smoothing over relationships, and general diplomacy. It also turns out that the War of 1812 was a harrowing war that we came very close to losing. The nailbiting conclusion involves the escape of Dolley and her household from the burning of Washington DC. This novel is the perfect way to introduce middle and high school students to the War of 1812. It's also a charming read for adults like me who somehow missed learning any details about this engaging historical figure and the War of 1812.

[Jenny L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-pounding, front-row seat to young America’s fight for survival through the eyes of the Queen of Hearts: First Lady Dolley Madison. Walk arm and arm with Dolley to experience the tentative beginnings of her beloved “Jemmy” Madison’s Presidency as she wields her secret weapon of charm to win the respect, honor, and love for her husband and “the people’s house.” Empathize with her as her initial joy of transforming the deplorable President’s House into a respectable, inviting home filled with guests and new traditions is replaced with horror when the British burn it to the ground, along with all of Washington City in the War of 1812. Marvel at her fierce determination to stand by her man and her country with mud in her shoes and verbal mud on her face hurled by opposing voices. Cheer as Dolley grabs America by the hand to lift her up from the dark mire of war to stand as a tall beacon of light for the world as they triumphantly sing the newly penned Star-Spangled Banner. Libby McNamee brings this dark moment of American history to life through an intimate telling rich with historical facts, vivid imagery, and thrilling action. “Hail to the Presidentess” and her talented scribe!
-Jenny L. Cote, award-winning author of The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz and Epic Order of the Seven series.

[Amy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby McNamee vividly brought to life a terrific story of America’s early years. What a treat it was to get to know Dolley and her Jemmy!

[Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Even though it's written for upper elementary grades and up, I found it well researched and enjoyed Dolley's insights (the book is told via first person) on the politics of the time, the burning of the capitol, and the War of 1812. It's hard to find any books for the intended audience on this topic and I think the book did a good job of bringing it all to life. The end of the book even contains several recipes for some of the items served at Dolley's "squeezings", which was a nice addition! I learned quite a bit and the War of 1812 is more firmly fixed in my mind thanks to this entertaining book! :-) I recommend it for 4th grade (probably as a read-aloud for this age) to adults (and unlike a lot of "kid" books, this one will actually appeal to adult readers just as much as the kiddos, imo).
Bonus: There is also a study guide for it, which I purchased (for homeschool use).

[Linda Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

McNamee brings the dry history I learned in school to life with Dolley and the nail-biting story of the War of 1812. This is a perfect book for middle grade readers to liven up the history they’re fed on pages in text books – and a great one for parents to read along with their kids – and for all adults who love a bit of history. Our nation’s capital burning, traitors in the government, political parties vehemently opposed – shades of present day – and this author brings that out in the history she evocatively portrays in this terrific novel. And all the factoids she includes makes the book even more enjoyable. I highly recommend it for all readers.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both my 12 year old daughter and I loved this book! McNamee paints a vivid and captivating portrait of America's First Lady! Dolley's personality really shines through, which makes for quite an entertaining read. Both of us learned so much about the War of 1812 and the Madisons. What an amazing, strong, brave lady she was. I was so amazed at her consistent choice to hold her tongue around gossip and negativity. She earned so much respect from her countrymen and once you read this, you'll understand why!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a work of historical fiction directed for the middle school reader. The focus of the book is as the title says: Dolley Madison and the War of 1812. I found it to be interesting as I knew only rudimentary facts about Mrs. Madison before reading the book, much less about the War of 1812. It really was our second revolutionary war. And Mrs. Madison was a great support to the president. She enjoyed entertaining and her "squeezes" (teas/parties) were immensely helpful to her husband's reputation in Washington. If you think the United States is deeply divided now - so it was then.

[Kathryn Tone · Rating 5 out of 5]

McNamee has written another exciting novel - replete with historical details and a lively portrayal of a smart, determined woman who is devoted to her husband and country. From the first sentence, we are breathlessly pulled into Dolley Madison's fascinating journey as First Lady and root for her every step of the way as she navigates politics and power during a turbulent period of American history.

[Marta Tice]

This breathtaking work accurately describes James and Dolley Madison just before and during the War of 1812. Their trauma and strength are portrayed in detail from the burning of the White House to the final victory and defeat of the British. Their courage is accurately portrayed, consequentially their strength and their love for one another were unstoppable.

Marta Anne Tice, author of Allegiance to Alsace

[Ann Bailey Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for middle grade readers. I learned so much and want my kids to read it. I wish there was an audiobook so the family could listen to it in a car trip. It will provoke good discussions.

[Bill McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and engaging tale of Dolly Madison and her considerable accomplishments told from a first person perspective. I felt like Dolly was telling me the story.

Glad I found this book on the used book rack at Shelf Life Books in Carytown (Richmond).

[Elizabeth Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and I wasn’t expecting to. My mom got this for me on a whim and it dropped me into a small hole for rabbits. I found a typo in my book too, which I thought was very amusing. Over all a great book and historically accurate, at least from my knowledge.

[Angie Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby McNamee delivers another great read. Like Susanna's Midnight ride, Dolley Madison and the War of 1812 is full of fun historical facts that readers of all ages will enjoy.

[Karen Rosenblum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just totally delightful!

And it's true. A completely engaging read, especially for those of us who knew nothing about the war of 1812!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Can’t wait to get back to D.C. and visit The Octagon House.

[Kelly Meacham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. I learned a lot of history.

[Grace Sammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Carey McNamee has a triumph in “Dolly Madison and the War of 1812.” This smartly written historical fiction novel is filled with an America not too different from our own. With James Madison, the country’s fourth president, inheriting a very divided America, a nation reeling from a Yellow Fever outbreak, and a threatening second war of independence with the British, we see the intimacy and partnership of Madison and the woman who would be come to be known as America’s first First Lady. McNamee’s writing has awakened my love of historical fiction. Written for a Young Adult audience (with an available Study Guide) this work will inspire, educate, and enthrall readers of all ages. From the burning of Washington City and the President’s house, to the wonderful factoids surrounding oyster ice cream, and the now famous Easter Monday at the White House, readers will be intrigued by the flamboyant, strong, turban-wearing Dolly Madison and her pivotal role in American history.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book written from Dolley Madison's perspective about the War of 1812. I learned quite a bit about that time and the little known early battle to keep our independence.

[Francis Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amount of historical detail in Libby McNamee’s amazing book, Dolley Madison and the War of 1812 is astonishing. But it only adds to the depth and breadth of this fascinating read. James Madison, Dolley’s husband, was the fourth President of the United States. No sooner had he taken office in 1807 than he and his wife were thrust into the midst of bitter partisan politics between the Federalists and the Republicans, and the British kidnapping American sailors on the high seas. Ms. McNamee portrays Dolley as a savvy and thoughtful political wife, helping her husband navigate the stormy seas of political battles and the real battles of the War of 1812. McNamee credits Dolley with saving the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington as the British army invaded Washington, D.C. (then called Washington City), where they then burned the Capitol building. A fast-paced and entertaining story for young readers.

[Jayda Justus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accurate and propulsive historical fiction for kids (and adults!). I learned so much about the War of 1812 and the burning of Washington, DC in 1814. Huzzah!

[Bella Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was amazing at how much McNamee's story pulled me in. I was enthralled with the story from cover to cover and at times didn't even realize I was learning so much! Definitely one of the best historical fiction books I've read! I can't wait for more from McNamee!

[Gay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gift from the Green's trip to Williamsburg

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story moves quickly but builds so you appreciate Dolly. I learned that the war of 1812 was really a second war for independence. Great book.