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The White House Boys: An American Tragedy
Hidden far from sight, deep in the thick underbrush of the North Florida woods are the ghostly graves of more than thirty unidentified bodies, some of which are thought to be children who were beaten to death at the old Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna. It is suspected that many more bodies will be found in the fields and swamplands surrounding the institution. Investigations into the unmarked graves have compelled many grown men to come forward and share their stories of the abuses they endured and the atrocities they witnessed in the 1950s and 1960s at the institution.
The White House An American Tragedy is the true story of the horrors recalled by Roger Dean Kiser, one of the boys incarcerated at the facility in the late fifties for the crime of being a confused, unwanted, and wayward child. In a style reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain, Kiser recollects the horrifying verbal, sexual, and physical abuse he and other innocent young boys endured at the hands of their "caretakers." Questions remain unanswered and theories abound, but Roger and the other 'White House Boys' are determined to learn the truth and see justice served.
The White House An American Tragedy is the true story of the horrors recalled by Roger Dean Kiser, one of the boys incarcerated at the facility in the late fifties for the crime of being a confused, unwanted, and wayward child. In a style reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain, Kiser recollects the horrifying verbal, sexual, and physical abuse he and other innocent young boys endured at the hands of their "caretakers." Questions remain unanswered and theories abound, but Roger and the other 'White House Boys' are determined to learn the truth and see justice served.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 27, 2012
This book is significant, not only because I can say I am one of the "White House Boys", but because the horrors that those young boys endured were indeed painful that many of them were deeply affected by their abuse. Though I remember going "down" four times to the "White House" during my incarceration from the period 1965 through 1967, I was not as affected by this punishment. As I read the story those memories came back to me that this book did not tell. My hope is that those in the grave yard in unmarked graves will have justice if abuse or atrocities were the cause of their death.
September 6, 2013
Like a few other reviewers, part of me felt somewhat guilty for giving it only two stars. Kiser was indeed extremely brave for coming forward with his stories. They are incredibly gut-wrenching, and it is absolutely appalling to consider the fact that Kiser was not alone in his experiences, especially now that news is surfacing about even more murders than originally thought.
That being said, because this is a book review I must deviate from the emotional aspects of the book and discuss the writing itself. The stories, though powerful, did not really seem to flow together. Instead, we are given short little anecdotes, which may or may not correspond to anything else in the book. Generally, the authors who create bonds between their characters and their readers are the ones who appeal to me. Unfortunately, though I did feel sympathy and compassion for Kiser, I did not come away from the book really feeling like I had gotten to "know" him. In a sense, the book read a bit more like a confessional, "this is part of my grieving process" type of narrative. While there is nothing wrong with such a piece of writing, it was simply not what I expected.
The appendix provided some interesting information regarding the case against the institution itself, and the growing attention it has been getting over the years. In a way, I found these portions of the book to be more in line with my expectations.
That being said, because this is a book review I must deviate from the emotional aspects of the book and discuss the writing itself. The stories, though powerful, did not really seem to flow together. Instead, we are given short little anecdotes, which may or may not correspond to anything else in the book. Generally, the authors who create bonds between their characters and their readers are the ones who appeal to me. Unfortunately, though I did feel sympathy and compassion for Kiser, I did not come away from the book really feeling like I had gotten to "know" him. In a sense, the book read a bit more like a confessional, "this is part of my grieving process" type of narrative. While there is nothing wrong with such a piece of writing, it was simply not what I expected.
The appendix provided some interesting information regarding the case against the institution itself, and the growing attention it has been getting over the years. In a way, I found these portions of the book to be more in line with my expectations.
July 16, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a memoir Colson Whitehead recommended in The Nickel Boys epilogue. Roger Dean Kiser had a very tumultuous upbringing which eventually landed him at the Florida Industrial School for Boys AKA Dozier School (the real-life “Nickel Academy”). You’ll notice glimpses of Kiser’s story in Whitehead’s novel. Kiser describes his experiences there as a young white boy. I’m not going to lie, this is brutal.
tw: extreme physical abuse, rape
tw: extreme physical abuse, rape
December 6, 2021
Honestly, it's been a while since I read this one but I do remember it was a great book. Such a sad true life story though.
August 30, 2020
I don’t feel like I can give this book a rating when it’s a memoir of the abuse the author had to endure. I originally heard about this book from a podcast about the White House boys and the horrific things that happened at the Florida Industrial School for Boys. This book is gut wrenching and terribly sad. Unfortunately I think it needs a lot of help with editing and could have included a lot more information.
January 24, 2019
Unfortunately I was disappointed by this book. It was a very quick read. I wish it had been ghost written by someone or that the author has assistance in putting the book together to give the reader more information and a more fluid reading experience. The story told us important but I didn't like how it was presented. I also found the section at the beginning that wasn't written by the author annoying and poorly written/out together. It also bothered me that a picture of the author at 13 included in the book was clearly Photoshoped with blotches. Don't give me nonfiction then alter an image. Also the pictures included were mostly to dark to get anything from. I realized I have another book about this Boys home so I will read that next maybe it will be better put together. It's called The Boys of the Dark if you read this review and are interested. In conclusion this is worth a read it the subject interests you but there may be better sources on the subject.
November 2, 2013
Just finished this book and was shocked how horrid humans treat others and not let is bother them.
The horror that these young children suffered at the hands of adults.
The author tells us of the beatings and abuse that he suffered and other young children while staying in this facility as youth. It is a miracle that he is alive today to tell this story when many children lost their
lives and innocence at the hand of these adult that where suppose to teach then how to live a good live in the outside world.
The book shows us how even something that was meant for good can go horribly wrong when one turns a blind eye to things they don't want to see or know about.
This book is worth reading, but be prepared to be upset by what you read. You will brought to tears and your heart will break for these children.
The horror that these young children suffered at the hands of adults.
The author tells us of the beatings and abuse that he suffered and other young children while staying in this facility as youth. It is a miracle that he is alive today to tell this story when many children lost their
lives and innocence at the hand of these adult that where suppose to teach then how to live a good live in the outside world.
The book shows us how even something that was meant for good can go horribly wrong when one turns a blind eye to things they don't want to see or know about.
This book is worth reading, but be prepared to be upset by what you read. You will brought to tears and your heart will break for these children.
January 9, 2017
This book was really great. First of all, I loved the simplicity with which Roger writes and he just comes off as a likeable person. The story was very rich and intriguing in a horrible way, but also effectively emphasized how some people can endure the most challenging situations. Some have criticized this book for making jumps chapter to chapter without having clear connections between each one, but then again, isn't this what you would expect from a historical account? Memory isn't perfect and it would make me very skeptical if at every turn of the page Roger was able to put a time and date to each event in the book. I guess in this regard, reading the book felt a lot like talking to the author as he recalls some of the most memorable days during his childhood rather than a rigorous documentation of history.
February 25, 2013
I just finished this book, and was horrified and shocked by the degree of abuse that occurred to these boys, and what a tragedy it was to lose their childhood and innocence in such a brutal manner. It is hard to believe that someone could survive such beatings, but there were a few who lived to tell about it. I can only hope those who suffered will find some kind of peace through God and heaven where there will be no such beatings, and that those who inflicted those unconscionable acts will burn in hell for their crimes. Towards the end of the book, there was some repetition of facts that should have not occurred, but on the whole, the book was a good fast read. It is, without a doubt, the worst case of child abuse I have ever read.
April 17, 2017
You know how some books have a relevant quote before the first page? This author quoted himself. This was followed by a prologue, then a foreword, something I've never seen done before. It's clear the author isn't from the world of publishing, but he wanted his story to be known.
Part one was difficult to stomach, knowing that state-sanctioned torture, rape, and murder of children had occurred so close to where I live. But it is an important history to be told, so that such things are not allowed to occur again.
Part two felt like I was a fly on the wall in a therapy session- the author was mostly talking to himself.
I don't begrudge Kiser needing to get these stories out, and I don't regret learning about them. Unfortunately the book itself just wasn't a great read.
Part one was difficult to stomach, knowing that state-sanctioned torture, rape, and murder of children had occurred so close to where I live. But it is an important history to be told, so that such things are not allowed to occur again.
Part two felt like I was a fly on the wall in a therapy session- the author was mostly talking to himself.
I don't begrudge Kiser needing to get these stories out, and I don't regret learning about them. Unfortunately the book itself just wasn't a great read.
October 19, 2016
Heart Wrenching, A Must Read
Roger Kiser offers a compelling look into the heart of a world filled with abuse and negect, in which children are treated less than in all respects. The environment that facilitated such horrible treatment was none other than a state-backed children's reform home, and thankfully the government has actually admitted wrongdoings with the embrace of the 21st century.
The podcast entitled Sword and Scale originally introduced me to the subject matter lining the pages of "The White House Boys: An American Tragedy," and I'm thankful that I looked further into the material.
Roger Kiser offers a compelling look into the heart of a world filled with abuse and negect, in which children are treated less than in all respects. The environment that facilitated such horrible treatment was none other than a state-backed children's reform home, and thankfully the government has actually admitted wrongdoings with the embrace of the 21st century.
The podcast entitled Sword and Scale originally introduced me to the subject matter lining the pages of "The White House Boys: An American Tragedy," and I'm thankful that I looked further into the material.
July 5, 2023
Roger Kiser was 13 years old when he was sent to the Florida School for Boys, a place so wretched it could have been ripped from a horror movie. A place where sadistic “caregivers” had free reign, and where sexual abuse and vicious abuse was done with no impunity. Those who were lucky enough to leave FSB left worse off than when they entered there, and some never left at all. Truancy, running away, and incorrigibility were what sent most boys to the FSB, but some simply had nowhere else to go. Kiser’s crime deserving of such punishment? Running off with a girl’s bike and using the bathroom without permission.
Roger Kiser’s story is heartbreaking, disturbing, and horrific. He shares his horrors of how Florida‘s juvenile justice system failed the children who were placed in its care, thus leaving them abused and forgotten. He pours his heart into The White House Boys, and it’s a riveting read. However, that doesn’t make it a great read.
When writing a book as serious as The White House Boys, an editor helps with the flowing of ideas, thoughts, grammar structure, and with organization. Unfortunately, there was either no editing prior to the book’s release, or the editing was done poorly. Like many of the other reviewers, I found the writing to be disjointed, and had trouble knowing when one story lead to the next. Kiser’s writes almost in a stream of consciousness, as if the thoughts in his head are so immediate that if he doesn’t write it down he’ll forget them. It has the feel of reading a journal, one where he’s telling us the events, but not the story. The book drags on near the end, with transcripts and newspapers filling up the last 50 pages or so.
I do not fault Kiser’s grammatical errors or lackluster writing abilities. What he lived through was hard to read, and it was probably harder for him to write about it. He gives a voice to all the boys at the FSB, and to those unable to tell it themselves. He is amazingly courageous in doing that, and he gets five stars for his efforts.
The “Boys of the Dark” is a much better, comprehensive story about The Florida School for Boys, and the stories of its residents.
Roger Kiser’s story is heartbreaking, disturbing, and horrific. He shares his horrors of how Florida‘s juvenile justice system failed the children who were placed in its care, thus leaving them abused and forgotten. He pours his heart into The White House Boys, and it’s a riveting read. However, that doesn’t make it a great read.
When writing a book as serious as The White House Boys, an editor helps with the flowing of ideas, thoughts, grammar structure, and with organization. Unfortunately, there was either no editing prior to the book’s release, or the editing was done poorly. Like many of the other reviewers, I found the writing to be disjointed, and had trouble knowing when one story lead to the next. Kiser’s writes almost in a stream of consciousness, as if the thoughts in his head are so immediate that if he doesn’t write it down he’ll forget them. It has the feel of reading a journal, one where he’s telling us the events, but not the story. The book drags on near the end, with transcripts and newspapers filling up the last 50 pages or so.
I do not fault Kiser’s grammatical errors or lackluster writing abilities. What he lived through was hard to read, and it was probably harder for him to write about it. He gives a voice to all the boys at the FSB, and to those unable to tell it themselves. He is amazingly courageous in doing that, and he gets five stars for his efforts.
The “Boys of the Dark” is a much better, comprehensive story about The Florida School for Boys, and the stories of its residents.
July 6, 2023
Roger Kiser was 13 years old when he was sent to the Florida School for Boys, a place so wretched it could have been ripped from a horror movie. A place where sadistic “caregivers” had free reign, and where sexual abuse and vicious abuse was done with no impunity. Those who were lucky enough to leave FSB left worse off than when they entered there, and some never left at all. Truancy, running away, and incorrigibility were what sent most boys to the FSB, but some simply had nowhere else to go. Kiser’s crime deserving of such punishment? Running off with a girl’s bike and using the bathroom without permission.
Roger Kiser’s story is heartbreaking, disturbing, and horrific. He shares his horrors of how Florida‘s juvenile justice system failed the children who were placed in its care, thus leaving them abused and forgotten. He pours his heart into The White House Boys, and it’s a riveting read. However, that doesn’t make it a great read.
When writing a book as serious as The White House Boys, an editor helps with the flowing of ideas, thoughts, grammar structure, and with organization. Unfortunately, there was either no editing prior to the book’s release, or the editing was done poorly. Like many of the other reviewers, I found the writing to be disjointed, and had trouble knowing when one story lead to the next. Kiser’s writes almost in a stream of consciousness, as if the thoughts in his head are so immediate that if he doesn’t write it down he’ll forget them. It has the feel of reading a journal, one where he’s telling us the events, but not the story. The book drags on near the end, with transcripts and newspapers filling up the last 50 pages or so.
I do not fault Kiser’s grammatical errors or lackluster writing abilities. What he lived through was hard to read, and it was probably harder for him to write about it. He gives a voice to all the boys at the FSB, and to those unable to tell it themselves. He is amazingly courageous in doing that, and he gets five stars for his efforts.
The “Boys of the Dark” is a much better, comprehensive story about The Florida School for Boys, and the stories of its residents.
Roger Kiser’s story is heartbreaking, disturbing, and horrific. He shares his horrors of how Florida‘s juvenile justice system failed the children who were placed in its care, thus leaving them abused and forgotten. He pours his heart into The White House Boys, and it’s a riveting read. However, that doesn’t make it a great read.
When writing a book as serious as The White House Boys, an editor helps with the flowing of ideas, thoughts, grammar structure, and with organization. Unfortunately, there was either no editing prior to the book’s release, or the editing was done poorly. Like many of the other reviewers, I found the writing to be disjointed, and had trouble knowing when one story lead to the next. Kiser’s writes almost in a stream of consciousness, as if the thoughts in his head are so immediate that if he doesn’t write it down he’ll forget them. It has the feel of reading a journal, one where he’s telling us the events, but not the story. The book drags on near the end, with transcripts and newspapers filling up the last 50 pages or so.
I do not fault Kiser’s grammatical errors or lackluster writing abilities. What he lived through was hard to read, and it was probably harder for him to write about it. He gives a voice to all the boys at the FSB, and to those unable to tell it themselves. He is amazingly courageous in doing that, and he gets five stars for his efforts.
The “Boys of the Dark” is a much better, comprehensive story about The Florida School for Boys, and the stories of its residents.
November 16, 2016
I found this in a stack of books my aunt gave me about Florida history. Short and in large typeface, it seemed like a way to get momentum into the rest of the stack. It did not go smoothly. This account of child abuse in a North Florida school is coarsely written, but in a way that befits the subject. At times I was upset at the described events, and other times I was upset by how unsurprising the abuse was, then I was upset about wanting to be more upset as if these children's abuse was my entertainment.
The book is split into two sections: the first is primarily a direct account of Kiser's experiences. The second half includes articles and poems and abbreviated thoughts. While some of the stories stretched credulity and obviously required a little liberty, bringing in the state's own admittance and other victims was the best way to end.
The book is split into two sections: the first is primarily a direct account of Kiser's experiences. The second half includes articles and poems and abbreviated thoughts. While some of the stories stretched credulity and obviously required a little liberty, bringing in the state's own admittance and other victims was the best way to end.
August 2, 2017
The podcast Sword and Scale is were I first learned about The White House Boys: An American Tragedy. Dean Kiser may not be a writer but he has a story to tell. A heart breaking story.... The horror that these young children suffered is relentless and evil. Its overwhelming to know state-sanctioned torture, rape, and murder of children had occurred right here is so disheartening... It is apart of Florida's history. Don't read this with the expectation of finding literary greatness... Read this with the purpose of bringing attention to the fact that today, so many years later, there remains more than 30 forgotten graves in the North Florida woods—the graves are marked only by crosses—no names, no dates—only forgotten children. Those forgotten children are somebody's babies.
February 19, 2025
it’s as if those psychological wounds try to close up, but then something will remind me, like the smell of that cherry tobacco, and the wounds tear open.
after watching the nickel boys, i wanted to find out more about the reform school that inspired the story. i haven’t read the book the movie was adapted from, although i plan to, but reading after watching, the truth sometimes is gorier and more horrifying than fiction. logically, i know the reviews about editing and suspecting even ghost writing has literary merit, but i genuinely could not stop reading regardless of these small things, except to pause a few times to fully digest some things. it’s so stupid but i have never understood how humans can be so cruel
after watching the nickel boys, i wanted to find out more about the reform school that inspired the story. i haven’t read the book the movie was adapted from, although i plan to, but reading after watching, the truth sometimes is gorier and more horrifying than fiction. logically, i know the reviews about editing and suspecting even ghost writing has literary merit, but i genuinely could not stop reading regardless of these small things, except to pause a few times to fully digest some things. it’s so stupid but i have never understood how humans can be so cruel
April 2, 2025
A raw and from the heart autobiography of a man whose childhood was stripped from him when he became an orphan and was placed in orphanage care in FL during the 50’s and 60’s. He was sexually assaulted by a female in charge and then was said to be unmanageable because of incidents that would be considered normal behavior for a young boy his age. He was transferred to the Florida correctional center for so called “problematic” boys and the torture and abuse intensified. The White House was the place where horrible abuse happened on the campus of the facility. How this man was able to survive let alone make it to adulthood and eventually leqd a productive life is a miracle in of itself. The book is simple to read, and very raw. The bravery and innate goodness within him comes through.
January 23, 2023
This book will stay with me for such a long time! A very tragic story, so it seems terrible to give it 5 stars, however his story deserves to be told, so I feel it should be recommended.
The state of Florida really failed these kids. No child should ever endure the terror they did. It's remarkable they made it out of here alive, honestly.
If you can't stomach reading about child abuse, this book is NOT for you. However, if you want to learn how the human spirit can help a boy survive an atrocious childhood and grow up to be a productive member of society, or if you want to know the truth about what happened at the Florida Industrial School for Boys, read it.
The state of Florida really failed these kids. No child should ever endure the terror they did. It's remarkable they made it out of here alive, honestly.
If you can't stomach reading about child abuse, this book is NOT for you. However, if you want to learn how the human spirit can help a boy survive an atrocious childhood and grow up to be a productive member of society, or if you want to know the truth about what happened at the Florida Industrial School for Boys, read it.
January 23, 2023
For years, The Florida School For Boys took bad boys. It could be for rape or assault, but also for skipping school or smoking cigarettes or running away from broken homes. They needed to be reformed. Unfortunately, they were also sadistically beaten. They would be beaten for smiling, for not smiling, for looking the wrong way, whatever. They would be taken to a small building called the 'white house' and beaten to an inch of their lives. Some didn't make it. Over 50 unmarked graves were found. Abuse was reported for years before the place finally closed down in 2011. Roger Dean Kiser was a victim and this is his story.
April 15, 2019
Gripping! Hard to put down
I bought this book after reading several stories about the abuse taken place at the Alfred G. Dozier school for boys when the graves were found at the school. I found myself trapped in the stories. The author, was mentioned in a lot of the findings online. So, I had to buy the book to finish out his story. I don't read books, however I couldn't put this down. Mr. Kiser's experiences put me right there to visualize what him and all the other boys went through. Great read, I highly recommend this book. The stories are heart wrenching.
I bought this book after reading several stories about the abuse taken place at the Alfred G. Dozier school for boys when the graves were found at the school. I found myself trapped in the stories. The author, was mentioned in a lot of the findings online. So, I had to buy the book to finish out his story. I don't read books, however I couldn't put this down. Mr. Kiser's experiences put me right there to visualize what him and all the other boys went through. Great read, I highly recommend this book. The stories are heart wrenching.
April 21, 2023
The first thing I thought when I saw the title was that it was political, but it’s not. It is about an orphanage in the 1950s and 1960s. Around 30 bodies were found in the Florida woods. All young boys who endured torture, either physical, mental, or both.
The story is told from one boy's (man’s) perspective and it is difficult to listen to the facts. It’s hard to imagine men who would beat boys, one after another, for minimal infractions to the rules. There are some sick people in the world.
The story is told from one boy's (man’s) perspective and it is difficult to listen to the facts. It’s hard to imagine men who would beat boys, one after another, for minimal infractions to the rules. There are some sick people in the world.
March 6, 2024
The True story of the tragic events that occurred in the old Florida Industrial School for Boys at Marianna is a candid look at the atrocities that occurred there. While not the book for every reader, its straightforward approach and short chapters make it less threatening for reluctant readers. It also inspired the novelThe Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. Both were worthwhile reads.
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December 27, 2024This book is such a tragedy, I discovered the story while reading about abandoned buildings in Florida. I unfortunately learned about the lost and forgotten White House boys who were mercilessly slaughtered and beaten by awful, awful men. My heart breaks for those affected and for Roger Kiser. This book was hard to get through but knowing what had happened in the state I live in, condoned by the government and department of education is imperative to understanding the disgusting history of Florida.
November 9, 2018
A very informative and raw book that is easy to read but not easy to read. I picked up this book after reading A Child Called ‘It’ and the stories told in both leave me shaking my head in utter amazement and disgust. How can people treat children like this?!
My take away from this book: Abuse can be anywhere and it can be easily hidden. We must all be watchers and step forward if we see something.
My take away from this book: Abuse can be anywhere and it can be easily hidden. We must all be watchers and step forward if we see something.
March 26, 2019
A podcast, Sword and Scale, introduced me to this extremely horrific story. This book gives more of a brief overview of some of the experiences the author endured. This book is not for the faint of heart. Roger Kiser is truly remarkable to have overcome everything he went through and share these events. Much more detail is revealed on the podcast, but this book will definitely have you questioning how anyone could be so cruel and heartless to innocent, confused children.
January 28, 2024
Very quick read..so incredibly sad what these boys went through… in no way does this book deserve 1 or 2 stars.. sure it’s all shorts stories of terrible abuse and things that happened. This is Roger’s story of what his hell was. Don’t focus on how it’s written read it for what it is. How extremely brutal these caretakers were. These “care takers” were Pure evil! And how amazing it is that Roger came out how he did.
March 26, 2025
I don’t know why I have read this disturbing book because it’s filled with the most disgusting things adults could think to do to a child! And how it was able to remain open and exist for over a hundred years?!? In the United States!!! It’s profoundly tragic and shameful but for Gov. Charley Crist who finally closer it. State institutions for mentally disabled children were often seen as torture chambers but they don’t even come close to the abuse seen in Florida’s boys school.
June 22, 2019
I grew up in Florida and remember stories about boys who were sent to reform school. I knew one boy from school who was sent there and I don't remember ever seeing him again. I did not know how horrific this school was and what the "caretakers" did to them emotionally, physically and sexually. This story will break your heart.
January 26, 2021
It was absolutely awful to think that these boys were treated so abominably. I am glad he had the courage to tell what happened. I think the book got its point across, although it did seem like a collection of stories and articles rather than a smoothly written book. But kudos to Roger; it's pretty good for someone who was not provided with much when he was young.
August 16, 2021
My heart truly goes out to this man (and to the others alongside him who experienced the same). I feel a deep sadness and compassion for him, and I’m sorry that he had to live a life so full of pain. I admire him and the others for speaking out about this, and I hope it provided some level of healing.
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