Katherine House - The White House for Kids: A History of a Home, Office, and National Symbol, with 21 Activities

Copyright 2014 by Katherine L. House

All rights reserved

First edition

Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN 978-1-61374-461-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

House, Katherine L. (Katherine Lucille)

The White House for kids : a history of a home, office, and national symbol : with 21 activities / Katherine L. House. First edition.

pages cm. (For kids series)

Summary: An intriguing, in-depth look at the most famous home in the United States, this kid-friendly activity book educates young readers on the White House. Blending facts from numerous primary sources with engaging anecdotesfrom learning that George Washington never actually slept in the White House and Abraham Lincoln never slept in the Lincoln Bedroom to how Gerald Fords daughter Susan held her high school prom in the White Housethis book provides the complete story of the presidents home. Details on the many changes, updates, renovations, and redecorations that have occurred over the years are featured as well as a look at the daily lives of the White Houses inhabitants, including past presidents and their families along with the enormous staff that makes the White House run smoothly. This rich history is packed with an assortment of cross-curricular activities that allow readers to walk in the footsteps of presidentsthey can play key passages of Hail to the Chief, practice signing a bill into law, make a White House punch, and re-create an aerobic game designed for President Hoovermaking it a perfect book for any young mind with an interest in the White House or American history Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-61374-461-1 (pbk.)

1. White House (Washington, D.C.)Juvenile literature. 2. Washington (D.C.)Buildings, structures, etc.Juvenile literature. I. Title.

F204.W5H68 2014

975.3dc23

Cover and interior design: Monica Baziuk

Cover images: (front, clockwise from top) President John F. Kennedy with his children John Jr. and Caroline in the Oval Office, Cecil Stoughton, White House Photograph, courtesy of John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston; picketers protest at the White House in 1922, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-USZ6-1820; President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Edith Wilson, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Harris & Ewing, LC-DIG-ppmsca-13425; aerial view of the north side of the White House in 2008, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, LC-DIG-highsm-04919; First Lady Betty Ford and daughter Susan make Christmas ornaments, courtesy of Gerald R. Ford Library; (back, clockwise from top right) T-ball game on the South Lawn of the White House, courtesy of George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum; replica of the White House, Shutterstock/imagedj; piece of Lincoln china, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M.

Highsmith, LC-DIG-highsm-04755

Interior illustrations: Jim Spence

Hail to the Chief arrangement on by Jennifer Eklund

(www.pianopronto.com)

Printed in the United States of America

5 4 3 2 1

2013038108

For Jim and Barbara Leupold, who shared the history of the nations capitaland the nationwith me

From First Ladies to Busy Butlers

From T-Ball Games to State Dinners

INDEX

T HE PROCESS OF writing a book takes many twists and turns. Luckily, many people came along for the ride by offering support, encouragement, suggestions, and expertise.

This journey might never have happened if Dori Hillestad Butler hadnt asked, Why not? Thanks to Lisa Reardon at Chicago Review Press for her enthusiastic support long before I typed a single wordand at every step along the way. Gratitude also goes to fellow CRP author Kerrie Logan Hollihan, who spurred me to send in a proposal.

Thanks to the Nanorebels for structured write-ins and lively lunches, gentle encouragement, and cheerful support. I appreciated the camaraderie and critiques of the Non-fiction LadiesConnie Heckert, Patty Hinch, and Linda Karwath. Id like to offer special thanks to Millie Frese, who read every chapter and provided insightful comments. Candy Fleming never tired of hearing about the process and offering the guidance of a seasoned pro. I am indebted to Patricia Miller (and the ladies of Oakdale Farms) for a peaceful place to write.

Id like to thank Dot Pangburn for first telling me about Franksgiving. I was fortunate to benefit from the assistance of Ana Koch and Ally Poremba, who tirelessly tested the activities. Special hugs to Maxine House, who arranged her schedule to spend extra time with my family while I was otherwise engaged. I am also grateful for the amazing behind-the-scenes work done by archivists, especially those working to digitize collections. Im especially indebted to Melissa Naulin, assistant curator of the White House, for her willingness to review the manuscript, make corrections and suggestions, and provide answers to my many questions.

This book would not have been possible without my parents, who shared their love of history and politics with me. They pointed out flags flying near the White House when a world leader visited and took me to see the National Christmas Tree. They showed me daffodils inspired by Lady Bird Johnsons beautification efforts and described the sadness that permeated Washington in November 1963.

Finally, special thanks to my family, who developed and tested many of the activities. Jonathan assisted me with the Hail to the Chief activity, and Caroline couldnt hide her enthusiasm for presidential pups. Thanks most of all to Jim, for unwavering support, endless listening, and thoughtful editorial comments.