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White House Clubhouse
From a former White House a middle grade series following two First Daughters who team up with historical presidential children to save the nation. Marissa and Clara’s mom is the newly elected president of the United States, and they haven’t experienced much freedom lately. While exploring the White House they discover a hidden tunnel that leads to an underground clubhouse full of antique curiosities, doors heading in all directions―and a mysterious invitation to join the ranks of White House kids. So they sign the pledge. Suddenly, the lights go out, and Marissa and Clara find themselves at the White House in 1903. There they meet Quentin, Ethel, Archie, and Alice, the irrepressible children of President Theodore Roosevelt. To get back home, Marissa and Clara must team up with the Roosevelt kids “to help the president” and “to make a difference.” White House Clubhouse is a thrilling and hilarious adventure that takes readers on an action-packed, cross-country railroad trip, back to the dawn of the twentieth century and the larger-than-life president at the country’s helm. Black-and-white illustrations throughout
288 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2023
6 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Sean O'Brien
132 books17 followersSean O'Brien is a British poet, critic and playwright. Prizes he has won include the Eric Gregory Award (1979), the Somerset Maugham Award (1984), the Cholmondeley Award (1988), the Forward Poetry Prize (1995, 2001 and 2007) and the T. S. Eliot Prize (2007). He is one of only four poets (the others being Ted Hughes, John Burnside and Jason Allen-Paisant) to have won both the T. S. Eliot Prize and the Forward Poetry Prize for the same collection of poems (The Drowned Book).
Born in London, England, O'Brien grew up in Hull, and was educated at Hymers College and Selwyn College, Cambridge. He has lived since 1990 in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he teaches at the university. He was the Weidenfeld Visiting Professor at St. Anne's College, Oxford, for 2016–17.
Born in London, England, O'Brien grew up in Hull, and was educated at Hymers College and Selwyn College, Cambridge. He has lived since 1990 in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he teaches at the university. He was the Weidenfeld Visiting Professor at St. Anne's College, Oxford, for 2016–17.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 17, 2025
Upon discovering a secret passage in the White House dining room, two “First Kids” travel back in time to 1903. They meet up with the rowdy family of President Theodore Roosevelt, and join forces with his children to save a beautiful thousands year-old tree from destruction in California!
If this series had been around when I was 10, I would have read and re-read it! The historical fiction is a definite hook for interest; as well are the details of two modern children’s lives as “ First Kids.” For anyone who has imagined that the experiences of presidential offspring are all glitz, glamour, and meetings with celebrities, this novel paints a different picture; one of constant supervision and many prohibited activities (like hanging out casually with friends!)
Can’t wait to read the next one! Keep them coming, Mr.O’Brien (a former White House speechwriter)!
If this series had been around when I was 10, I would have read and re-read it! The historical fiction is a definite hook for interest; as well are the details of two modern children’s lives as “ First Kids.” For anyone who has imagined that the experiences of presidential offspring are all glitz, glamour, and meetings with celebrities, this novel paints a different picture; one of constant supervision and many prohibited activities (like hanging out casually with friends!)
Can’t wait to read the next one! Keep them coming, Mr.O’Brien (a former White House speechwriter)!
Read
February 19, 2025What a great premise! I love the idea – kind of like Magic Tree House but with presidents. However, what could have been a fun adventure with some important messages woven through ended up feeling far too heavy-handed and every adult was so obnoxious and selfish – not saying we can’t show historical figures as flawed, but I prefer a more nuanced approach. It became a slog, alas -- it was a family read-aloud and one of the few we’ve abandoned.
June 24, 2023
ARC provided by the publisher
Marissa, who is in fifth grade, and Clara, who is in third, are not thrilled that their mother was elected president of the United States and they've had to leave their home in California. Even something as simple as getting picked up from school involves the secret service and code names, and when Clara wants to climb trees on the White House lawn, tourists have to be moved away from the fences! Not only that, but President Suarez usually requires them to appear at certain state functions. When an errant ball almost takes out a table full of wine glasses right before a reception but instead goes under a table, it ends up leading Marissa into a hidden area of the basement that former White House kids used. She and Clara try on some of the dusty clothes they find there and even sign an invitation of sorts, saying that they will band together with other White House kids... and before you know it, they have gone back to 1903 and meet Teddy Roosevelt's children! Archie is sick, and Quentin is conspiring to get his horse into his room. The older Alice is getting involved with presidential business, but also carries around a small snake! When the children all decide to go along with their father on a train trip to California, it becomes clear that Marissa and Clara's mission in 1903 is to stop Arnold Wendell, a property developer, from cutting down the last of some giant redwoods. Roosevelt's secretary, Mr. Loeb, is in cahoots with Wendell, and is trying to persuade the outdoorsy president that destroying natural resources is the only way to move the country forward. Marissa and Clara manage to stowaway on the train, with the help of Ethel, and have quite a number of adventures on the train, especially since Allan Pinkerton is aboard, providing security for the president. Mr. Loeb thinks that the children merely distract the president from his duties, so doesn't want him to spend much time with them. Marissa knows that she has to stop all of the development in her home state; if all of the trees are destroyed in the Sierras, there will be no getting them back. Relying on Roosevelt's love of the outdoors and of his children, and emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural resources of the US, will Marissa be able to win the president over from the influence of Wendell and Loeb so that she and Clara can return to their own time?
Strengths: This had a lot of action and adventure, and the idea of being able to travel across the country on a train is such an appealing one. It also lends itself to a lot of derring-do, although hanging on to a ladder on the outside of a speeding train does NOT sound like a good idea! Seeing the young Roosevelts was a lot of fun, and seeing details about Teddy Roosevelt (he didn't wear his glasses while exercising!) will appeal to readers who have seen him appear in books (Seiple's fantastic Death on the River of Doubt) and movies (A Night at the Museum). I loved the environmental issues in this and did not realize that the policies of the early 20th century were so horrible! Reveling in cutting down trees that were a thousand years old... thank goodness those practices have stopped! Marissa and Clara are positive and well meaning characters who through themselves whole heartedly into their adventure but are also glad to get back to their own places in history once they get a little perspective. O'Brien was a speech writer for Bidens, and since his children were frequently at the White House, he offers a fresh perspective.
Weaknesses: This will probably appeal more to elementary readers than middle school ones. Making Clara older rather than young would have helped (she and Alice could have gotten into hijinks then), but as much as I love time travel books, I've had a hard time selling them to middle school readers.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked Lergangi's Throwback series, Martin's Glitch or Gutman's The Flashback Four, and like to imagine that they could travel in time and change the past!
Marissa, who is in fifth grade, and Clara, who is in third, are not thrilled that their mother was elected president of the United States and they've had to leave their home in California. Even something as simple as getting picked up from school involves the secret service and code names, and when Clara wants to climb trees on the White House lawn, tourists have to be moved away from the fences! Not only that, but President Suarez usually requires them to appear at certain state functions. When an errant ball almost takes out a table full of wine glasses right before a reception but instead goes under a table, it ends up leading Marissa into a hidden area of the basement that former White House kids used. She and Clara try on some of the dusty clothes they find there and even sign an invitation of sorts, saying that they will band together with other White House kids... and before you know it, they have gone back to 1903 and meet Teddy Roosevelt's children! Archie is sick, and Quentin is conspiring to get his horse into his room. The older Alice is getting involved with presidential business, but also carries around a small snake! When the children all decide to go along with their father on a train trip to California, it becomes clear that Marissa and Clara's mission in 1903 is to stop Arnold Wendell, a property developer, from cutting down the last of some giant redwoods. Roosevelt's secretary, Mr. Loeb, is in cahoots with Wendell, and is trying to persuade the outdoorsy president that destroying natural resources is the only way to move the country forward. Marissa and Clara manage to stowaway on the train, with the help of Ethel, and have quite a number of adventures on the train, especially since Allan Pinkerton is aboard, providing security for the president. Mr. Loeb thinks that the children merely distract the president from his duties, so doesn't want him to spend much time with them. Marissa knows that she has to stop all of the development in her home state; if all of the trees are destroyed in the Sierras, there will be no getting them back. Relying on Roosevelt's love of the outdoors and of his children, and emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural resources of the US, will Marissa be able to win the president over from the influence of Wendell and Loeb so that she and Clara can return to their own time?
Strengths: This had a lot of action and adventure, and the idea of being able to travel across the country on a train is such an appealing one. It also lends itself to a lot of derring-do, although hanging on to a ladder on the outside of a speeding train does NOT sound like a good idea! Seeing the young Roosevelts was a lot of fun, and seeing details about Teddy Roosevelt (he didn't wear his glasses while exercising!) will appeal to readers who have seen him appear in books (Seiple's fantastic Death on the River of Doubt) and movies (A Night at the Museum). I loved the environmental issues in this and did not realize that the policies of the early 20th century were so horrible! Reveling in cutting down trees that were a thousand years old... thank goodness those practices have stopped! Marissa and Clara are positive and well meaning characters who through themselves whole heartedly into their adventure but are also glad to get back to their own places in history once they get a little perspective. O'Brien was a speech writer for Bidens, and since his children were frequently at the White House, he offers a fresh perspective.
Weaknesses: This will probably appeal more to elementary readers than middle school ones. Making Clara older rather than young would have helped (she and Alice could have gotten into hijinks then), but as much as I love time travel books, I've had a hard time selling them to middle school readers.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked Lergangi's Throwback series, Martin's Glitch or Gutman's The Flashback Four, and like to imagine that they could travel in time and change the past!
September 27, 2023
Marissa and Clara's mom has just been elected as president of the United States and so lots of changes have happened since the election. For one, they've moved from the comfort of their home in California to the White House, where there are rules and regulations about keeping them safe. Like the new addition of secret service agents who take them to and from school every day. Clara can't even climb trees outside anymore. Their life has been overrun by events of state and because of living in the White House they have to be extra careful, cause everything around them is an antique. It's during one of these events that the girls have a mishap and find themselves entering a secret passage that leads them to a room filled with toys, books and clothing. In the room is a weathered piece of parchment with the words White House Clubhouse and an invitation for them to sign on as a White House Kid who will promise to help the president and make a difference. Upon signing the document, the girls are whisked back in time to 1903 where they are met by Teddy Roosevelt's children. Soon they're getting involved with family business at the White House and learning about the president's upcoming train trip to California. They are then swept up into plans to save the California redwoods from being chopped down by a greedy land developer. Can the girls complete their mission to make it back to their own time?
I enjoyed that there was a secret clubhouse that connected two different time periods. It was an interesting way to present information about the White House and events that have occurred. Centering it on the children was also fun because you got to see how the two time periods differed in their eyes. I also learned a lot about Roosevelt and his train trip across the U.S. I've always known him to be an outdoorsman but hadn't realized that it was this trip that inspired a lot of his ideas about conservation and the protection of lands. The train ride itself was filled with lots of action, and lots of dangerous moments as one can imagine. Trying to convince Teddy Roosevelt to get involved with saving the redwoods, while holding off the land developers and Roosevelt's corrupt aide made for some entertainment as well. Most of all I enjoyed reading about the environmental issues of that time. It's unfortunate that we are still faced with the same kinds of environmental devastation now with the expansion of roads, dams, deforestation, and uncontrolled fires. This idea of build, build, build has me very sad. Included in the story are black and white sketch work, although my copies artwork wasn't final, I really liked having the pictures of the president and his children and Marissa and Clara. The one's on the train also added to the excitement. At the end of the book there are also the authors research notes, stating which events were factual and a list of resources to encourage further reading. Overall, this was a fun story, and I enjoyed the link between the past White House kids and the present, really worth a read. ** Review copy provided by MB Communications in exchange for an honest review**
I enjoyed that there was a secret clubhouse that connected two different time periods. It was an interesting way to present information about the White House and events that have occurred. Centering it on the children was also fun because you got to see how the two time periods differed in their eyes. I also learned a lot about Roosevelt and his train trip across the U.S. I've always known him to be an outdoorsman but hadn't realized that it was this trip that inspired a lot of his ideas about conservation and the protection of lands. The train ride itself was filled with lots of action, and lots of dangerous moments as one can imagine. Trying to convince Teddy Roosevelt to get involved with saving the redwoods, while holding off the land developers and Roosevelt's corrupt aide made for some entertainment as well. Most of all I enjoyed reading about the environmental issues of that time. It's unfortunate that we are still faced with the same kinds of environmental devastation now with the expansion of roads, dams, deforestation, and uncontrolled fires. This idea of build, build, build has me very sad. Included in the story are black and white sketch work, although my copies artwork wasn't final, I really liked having the pictures of the president and his children and Marissa and Clara. The one's on the train also added to the excitement. At the end of the book there are also the authors research notes, stating which events were factual and a list of resources to encourage further reading. Overall, this was a fun story, and I enjoyed the link between the past White House kids and the present, really worth a read. ** Review copy provided by MB Communications in exchange for an honest review**
February 17, 2025
A super fun read! Think crossover of the magic tree house series and the I survived series. Loved it!
July 2, 2023
What worked:
The kids of all presidents in history have formed a club using a secret room in the White House as their base. Marissa and her younger sister Clara accidentally find the room and discover it has many different doors to choose from. The one they select transports them back to the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt and they learn they can’t return to the present until they complete some type of quest. Marissa realizes it must involve a two-thousand-year-old giant sequoia tree in California that will soon be cut down. The girls set out on a cross-country adventure to save Steeple Giant and possibly convince President Roosevelt that it's important to preserve nature for future generations.
Passenger jets hadn’t been invented yet so most of the story takes place on the president’s private train as it travels from Washington to California. Two of Roosevelt’s kids help Marissa and Clara sneak aboard so avoiding discovery by the security team is a constant challenge. They find themselves hiding or investigating all over the train including the caboose, dining car, press car, and even the steam engine. The train makes stops at cities all across the country where the president makes quick speeches to patriotic citizens. The reporters don’t pay much attention since he says the same thing every time. However, Roosevelt starts adding new phrases at some stops and the newspapermen want to find out why. Marissa and Clara may have something to do with that but they know time is running out to save Steeple Giant.
The author incorporates historical elements into the plot that will help young readers experience the way the United States used to be. At the end of the book, the author shares which parts of the story are based on actual events. He includes quotations from Roosevelt’s speeches in the story’s dialogue and the president’s love of nature is featured. He’s responsible for many national parks, forests, and preserves throughout the states with some of them mentioned in the narrative. Apparently, it wasn’t unusual to see a pony, badger, and guinea pigs inside the White House since his children shared his adventurous, mischievous spirit. On the other hand, the book points out how lobbyists constantly try to influence the president’s policies and the ongoing conflict between business and nature.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot features many chase scenes with the kids fleeing in, on, and around the train. Their daring escapes sometimes feel impossible and seem to require superpowers or superior athletic abilities. These scenes are exciting but don’t fit in a historically-accurate story from 1903.
The Final Verdict:
The book takes readers in unexpected directions as Marissa and her sister navigate the world of politics and adventure. Saving Steeple Giant is the focus but unexpected characters arise to add twists to the story. Overall, this book is thought-provoking and entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.
The kids of all presidents in history have formed a club using a secret room in the White House as their base. Marissa and her younger sister Clara accidentally find the room and discover it has many different doors to choose from. The one they select transports them back to the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt and they learn they can’t return to the present until they complete some type of quest. Marissa realizes it must involve a two-thousand-year-old giant sequoia tree in California that will soon be cut down. The girls set out on a cross-country adventure to save Steeple Giant and possibly convince President Roosevelt that it's important to preserve nature for future generations.
Passenger jets hadn’t been invented yet so most of the story takes place on the president’s private train as it travels from Washington to California. Two of Roosevelt’s kids help Marissa and Clara sneak aboard so avoiding discovery by the security team is a constant challenge. They find themselves hiding or investigating all over the train including the caboose, dining car, press car, and even the steam engine. The train makes stops at cities all across the country where the president makes quick speeches to patriotic citizens. The reporters don’t pay much attention since he says the same thing every time. However, Roosevelt starts adding new phrases at some stops and the newspapermen want to find out why. Marissa and Clara may have something to do with that but they know time is running out to save Steeple Giant.
The author incorporates historical elements into the plot that will help young readers experience the way the United States used to be. At the end of the book, the author shares which parts of the story are based on actual events. He includes quotations from Roosevelt’s speeches in the story’s dialogue and the president’s love of nature is featured. He’s responsible for many national parks, forests, and preserves throughout the states with some of them mentioned in the narrative. Apparently, it wasn’t unusual to see a pony, badger, and guinea pigs inside the White House since his children shared his adventurous, mischievous spirit. On the other hand, the book points out how lobbyists constantly try to influence the president’s policies and the ongoing conflict between business and nature.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot features many chase scenes with the kids fleeing in, on, and around the train. Their daring escapes sometimes feel impossible and seem to require superpowers or superior athletic abilities. These scenes are exciting but don’t fit in a historically-accurate story from 1903.
The Final Verdict:
The book takes readers in unexpected directions as Marissa and her sister navigate the world of politics and adventure. Saving Steeple Giant is the focus but unexpected characters arise to add twists to the story. Overall, this book is thought-provoking and entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot.
July 31, 2023
Sisters Clara and Marissa are slowly settling into life as the daughters of newly elected president Julia Suarez, but doing so is not as easy as they would hope. Being followed by secret service and being treated differently by everyone they meet becomes tiring, not to mention trying to fit into their new home at the White House. When a chance discovery leads the girls to a secret room inside the walls of the White House, they find that previous presidential children have created a space where they can support one another from one administration to the next. After adding their names to a document alongside signatures of famous names from decades past, the girls go to return to their home, only to open the door into the year 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt was leading the United States. In order to return home, however, the girls must team up with Roosevelt's children to complete an important historical mission that will take them from sea to shining sea.
This first in the White House Clubhouse series introduces readers to sisters Clara and Marissa, who are in third and fifth grades, respectively. While they respect their mother's position as President, the girls are having difficulty residing in the spotlight and being followed and protected everywhere they go. Thus, the concept of a clubhouse wherein previous first children can help and support one another becomes a desirable idea, especially since there have not been a large number of these children throughout history. Using true historical events and people as a foundation, this book transports readers back in time to experience events from the past through an accessible and enjoyable lens. And, as the books are written by a previous White House staff member, the details included are thorough and accurate.
Younger middle grade readers who are comfortable with chapter books–especially series like The Magic Treehouse–will fall easily into this book. Ample white space and occasional black and white illustrations break up the text, and the action and dialogue included in the narrative keep the plot moving forward at a pleasant pace. No matter whether readers have a strong understanding of history or not, this book does an excellent job of incorporating historically relevant details within the context of a novel that will be readily enjoyed by middle graders. Alongside the historical mission the girls must complete are contemporary struggles of climate change and the destruction humans have wrought on the environment over the centuries, inspiring bigger ideas that children will contemplate both as they read the book and long after it ends. This is a high-quality series starter, and it promises a collection of books that will be excellent additions to libraries for younger middle grade readers.
This first in the White House Clubhouse series introduces readers to sisters Clara and Marissa, who are in third and fifth grades, respectively. While they respect their mother's position as President, the girls are having difficulty residing in the spotlight and being followed and protected everywhere they go. Thus, the concept of a clubhouse wherein previous first children can help and support one another becomes a desirable idea, especially since there have not been a large number of these children throughout history. Using true historical events and people as a foundation, this book transports readers back in time to experience events from the past through an accessible and enjoyable lens. And, as the books are written by a previous White House staff member, the details included are thorough and accurate.
Younger middle grade readers who are comfortable with chapter books–especially series like The Magic Treehouse–will fall easily into this book. Ample white space and occasional black and white illustrations break up the text, and the action and dialogue included in the narrative keep the plot moving forward at a pleasant pace. No matter whether readers have a strong understanding of history or not, this book does an excellent job of incorporating historically relevant details within the context of a novel that will be readily enjoyed by middle graders. Alongside the historical mission the girls must complete are contemporary struggles of climate change and the destruction humans have wrought on the environment over the centuries, inspiring bigger ideas that children will contemplate both as they read the book and long after it ends. This is a high-quality series starter, and it promises a collection of books that will be excellent additions to libraries for younger middle grade readers.
October 31, 2023
After their mom is elected president of the United States, 11-year-old Marissa and 9-year-old Clara are adjusting to life in the White House, although not well. Marissa misses her freedom and her friends in California and Clara resents the constant surveillance of the Secret Service. Marissa accidently kicks Clara's abandoned soccer ball under a table in the State Dining Room. When she goes to retrieve it, she discovers a secret door leading to a secret play room. She and Clara explore it and find themselves in the White House Playhouse that allows them to time travel back to the White House in 1903. They meet Teddy Roosevelt's kids, Archie, Quentin, Ethel, and Alice.
They learn that President Roosevelt is leaving for a cross-country train trip to California and that there are plans by developers to cut down a giant redwood. Not just any giant redwood, but Marissa's favorite! Marissa has to save it! The kids stowaway on the train with plans to convince President Roosevelt to not let the developers clear cut the forests for their construction plans.
I really love this concept and learning about how terrible the environmental laws were then. I knew that Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in beginning our national park system and glad that information is being shared with today's generation. There are lots of very exciting escapes and adventures for Marissa and Clara as they try to avoid being caught by security. I have to admit though, some of these near misses and escapes seemed implausible to me. I think a younger reader, say grades 3-5 might overlook those situations when an older reader might not. I really enjoyed being inside the Roosevelt White House with his children and their pets! They were all great characters!
They learn that President Roosevelt is leaving for a cross-country train trip to California and that there are plans by developers to cut down a giant redwood. Not just any giant redwood, but Marissa's favorite! Marissa has to save it! The kids stowaway on the train with plans to convince President Roosevelt to not let the developers clear cut the forests for their construction plans.
I really love this concept and learning about how terrible the environmental laws were then. I knew that Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in beginning our national park system and glad that information is being shared with today's generation. There are lots of very exciting escapes and adventures for Marissa and Clara as they try to avoid being caught by security. I have to admit though, some of these near misses and escapes seemed implausible to me. I think a younger reader, say grades 3-5 might overlook those situations when an older reader might not. I really enjoyed being inside the Roosevelt White House with his children and their pets! They were all great characters!
December 30, 2023
A fun and witty historical tale that young readers will fly through!
As daughters of the newly elected President of the United States, Marissa and Clara have been under the watchful eye of just about everyone. One day while exploring the White House, they find a secret tunnel that takes them to an underground clubhouse visited by previous White House kids. Once they sign a pledge left on the table, the lights go out and they find themselves in 1903. They meet Quentin, Ethel, Archie and Alice, the kids of President Theodore Roosevelt. In order to get back to their own time, they have to work with the other White House kids to get President Roosevelt to make a difference that will tie into their own timeline.
The White House Clubhouse was a fantastic and fun book that I can’t wait to share with my young readers. This is fun, witty and full of history that will make kids want to learn more about Roosevelt and his time as president. Sean O’Brien was a former White House speechwriter with fun insight into the famous house and a mystery that will keep readers turning the pages. I loved the way this story kept me guessing as to what their mission was and how they were going to accomplish it. I recommend this book to young readers looking for a mystery with quirky characters and a look into history.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
As daughters of the newly elected President of the United States, Marissa and Clara have been under the watchful eye of just about everyone. One day while exploring the White House, they find a secret tunnel that takes them to an underground clubhouse visited by previous White House kids. Once they sign a pledge left on the table, the lights go out and they find themselves in 1903. They meet Quentin, Ethel, Archie and Alice, the kids of President Theodore Roosevelt. In order to get back to their own time, they have to work with the other White House kids to get President Roosevelt to make a difference that will tie into their own timeline.
The White House Clubhouse was a fantastic and fun book that I can’t wait to share with my young readers. This is fun, witty and full of history that will make kids want to learn more about Roosevelt and his time as president. Sean O’Brien was a former White House speechwriter with fun insight into the famous house and a mystery that will keep readers turning the pages. I loved the way this story kept me guessing as to what their mission was and how they were going to accomplish it. I recommend this book to young readers looking for a mystery with quirky characters and a look into history.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
June 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. It got bogged down in the middle for me, as I felt there was one too many close calls with the train possibly leaving the girls,but I felt it was still full of adventure and is a great book for kids (and adults.) It definitely picked back up towards the end and I know children would love all the action and adventure the story takes you on.
I really enjoyed reading about Teddy Roosevelt and his children (and all their animals!). I definitely want to read more about him, his children and how he helped implement the National Park Service. I especially loved the nod to some of the Rough Riders and John Muir.
I felt like this was great introduction for kids, and adults, who don't know much about either of the above subjects. I also appreciated how the author researched everything that went into this book. He really did a wonderful job incorporating actual historical events and personalities.
I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series!
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers for my honest review.
I really enjoyed reading about Teddy Roosevelt and his children (and all their animals!). I definitely want to read more about him, his children and how he helped implement the National Park Service. I especially loved the nod to some of the Rough Riders and John Muir.
I felt like this was great introduction for kids, and adults, who don't know much about either of the above subjects. I also appreciated how the author researched everything that went into this book. He really did a wonderful job incorporating actual historical events and personalities.
I'm definitely looking forward to more in this series!
I received a free ARC from Netgalley and W. W. Norton & Company, Norton Young Readers for my honest review.
August 6, 2023
You're in 5th grade. Last month you could go on bike rides in the California redwoods with your parents. Then they made you move clear across the country and now you have a Secret Service agent following you everywhere! Yup, you're the president's kid.
But then you find a secret room in the White House that when you get out you're in the same *place* but a different time, not the 21st century but suddenly working with Teddy Roosevelt's kids to make the world a better place then, so it'll be a better place in your time too! And remember, "Just because you remember something from your time doesn't mean it will necessarily be so - that is to say, without your help. You can't just count on things working out without your involvement, any more than you could in your own time."
For daring adventurers who are willing to break a few rules.
Also, the Roosevelts had 5 squiggs; you meet one on pg 22.
But then you find a secret room in the White House that when you get out you're in the same *place* but a different time, not the 21st century but suddenly working with Teddy Roosevelt's kids to make the world a better place then, so it'll be a better place in your time too! And remember, "Just because you remember something from your time doesn't mean it will necessarily be so - that is to say, without your help. You can't just count on things working out without your involvement, any more than you could in your own time."
For daring adventurers who are willing to break a few rules.
Also, the Roosevelts had 5 squiggs; you meet one on pg 22.
October 15, 2023
"You will go on a crazy cool adventure!"
Marissa and Clara have lived in the White House long enough to have discovered the downsides and negatives, they're about to uncover a secret clubhouse, only accessible to first children, and realize there is a place in those hallowed halls for fun and games, as well as adventure.
This story is so much more than I was expecting going in. It finds a clever way around the loneliness of being the only two kids in the White House, and takes them on a journey in which they find their voices in conversations with adults, coming to realize they can get others to see things differently, from their perspective, and just possibly influence adult decisions and actions.
Children are courageous, adventurous, daring... and see the world from a different perspective, all things that are celebrated in this book.
Here's hoping it evolves in to a series, as the door is certainly wide open for that possibility.
Marissa and Clara have lived in the White House long enough to have discovered the downsides and negatives, they're about to uncover a secret clubhouse, only accessible to first children, and realize there is a place in those hallowed halls for fun and games, as well as adventure.
This story is so much more than I was expecting going in. It finds a clever way around the loneliness of being the only two kids in the White House, and takes them on a journey in which they find their voices in conversations with adults, coming to realize they can get others to see things differently, from their perspective, and just possibly influence adult decisions and actions.
Children are courageous, adventurous, daring... and see the world from a different perspective, all things that are celebrated in this book.
Here's hoping it evolves in to a series, as the door is certainly wide open for that possibility.
September 20, 2023
Middle grade readers will adore this action-packed book about two contemporary presidential kids who travel back in time to meet President Teddy Roosevelt. I love how the author takes us to so many places - the White House, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. I enjoyed reading about these places during the early 20th century and could tell the author did a ton of research to get the historic places and people just right. President Roosevelt’s gregarious personality comes through, and his impish children were a delight. Kids will find one of the children to relate to and will learn history while reading something fun! The book does a great job at inspiring kids to realize that one person, even a child, can make a big difference. I can’t wait to see where the White House Clubhouse takes us next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
September 18, 2023
Fun kids (middle grades I think?) book about life as a child of a President. The kids find a secret passage back in time to hang out with the Roosevelt children. It is a lot of fun but as an adult reading it there are so many logical questions. The biggest is the basic premise—how would the secret service not know about secret rooms in the White House?? Also things come together too neatly at the end with a blanket showing up at different points in history. It’s sweet but come ON! Not necessary to the story and detracts from my ability to believe it. That said, I really enjoyed these kids and their bravery. I will recommend it to librarians and to kids in the appropriate age group!
October 29, 2023
This debut author was a White House speechwriter so no surprise he could come up with this wonderful combination fantasy/historical fiction idea.
Through a strange event, the current kid occupants of the White House find themselves in 1903 and traveling with President Roosevelt and his children on their way to California. But in this 1903, there are people who want to cut down the redwoods among other terrible things for the environment. Can the kids convince the president that not everything is right for the country? With some humor thrown in, this is a very good read. Wonder if Mr. O’Brien will have the girls visit other presidential children.
Through a strange event, the current kid occupants of the White House find themselves in 1903 and traveling with President Roosevelt and his children on their way to California. But in this 1903, there are people who want to cut down the redwoods among other terrible things for the environment. Can the kids convince the president that not everything is right for the country? With some humor thrown in, this is a very good read. Wonder if Mr. O’Brien will have the girls visit other presidential children.
September 23, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC for this title!
I was intrigued by the synopsis: history, adventure, time travel… Seems like an equation for a solid and popular read for my middle grade students. While I did enjoy moments, this one just didn’t quite land for me. I wanted more connections between past and present - not only historically, but also there seemed to be gaps and lapses where the time travel jumps seemed lacking or clunky. It would be a good pick for upper elementary more than middle school readers.
I was intrigued by the synopsis: history, adventure, time travel… Seems like an equation for a solid and popular read for my middle grade students. While I did enjoy moments, this one just didn’t quite land for me. I wanted more connections between past and present - not only historically, but also there seemed to be gaps and lapses where the time travel jumps seemed lacking or clunky. It would be a good pick for upper elementary more than middle school readers.
September 10, 2023
White House Clubhouse is a time travel book that reminded me of the Magic Tree House series. This book takes the reader back into the time of Teddy Roosevelt. It will be interesting to see how this series develops. If it is limited to United States history, the books may not be as appealing to young readers as dinosaurs, pirates, and ancient Rome.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2023
I love a book centered around the President and Teddy Roosevelt is perfect for this book. I enjoyed the time travel feature and the adventure with the president heading west on a train trip. It was a fun way to share how we started the National Park system in our country The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of all of the characters and activities in the book. As an adult, it lost me at times and I can image kids would feel the same. I read this from Netgalley.
February 19, 2024
I just love it I didn’t really think I was gonna like it at first but I really LOOOOVVVE it it is a time traveling book and there are a lot of moments in their time that connect with what they did in the past such as, when Marissa (the older one) knits a blanket and that ends up being her baby blanket or when a fire burns a hole in a tree trunk and she has gone in the tree trunk before. And as I said I give this book 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
Clara and Marissa are the President’s daughters and have realized that sometimes living in the White House can be a bummer. Then they find a hidden room where they somehow travel back in time and meet Teddy Roosevelt’s children. They go on an adventure together (which includes sneaking on the President’s train) to save the trees. There is a lot of action and close calls. I think elementary kids would love this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.
September 24, 2023
Thank you Norton Young Readers for the advanced review copy of this fantastic book. This was such a fun adventure full of great characters, a daring mission, and historical content. Can’t recommend it high enough!
June 19, 2024
Great start to this new series that introduces middle grade readers to different presidents and something that stands out from their term. This first one takes sister back to Roosevelt and idea of conservation 🌳
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August 29, 2023This was engaging and fun!
August 27, 2024
Read with my kid, we both very much enjoyed it, though it did become a little long towards the end. Can't wait for book two.
January 19, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! I know my student will enjoy it too!
April 28, 2025
3.5 stars: A cute way to do the time travel historical fiction genre.
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