Our White House

More than one hundred leading authors and illustrators donate their talents in a creative tour de force that is making history. Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, this outstanding collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, and poetry melds with an equally stunning array of original art to offer a look at America’s history through the prism of the White House. Starting with a 1792 call for designers and continuing through the present day, these highly engaging writings and illustrations, expressing varied viewpoints and interwoven with key historical events, are a vital resource for family and classroom sharing — and a stirring reminder that the story of the White House is the story of every American. Back matter includes source notes, notes on contributor, and an index.

An introduction to the home of the United States president, including its history and design and construction.

In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families. J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state. J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called “one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,” provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy’s tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon, Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.

White House journalist for more than five decades chronicles her work covering all of the presidents since John F. Kennedy. Shares personal reminiscences of the U.S. leaders as well as of the first ladies. Bestseller.

The edited, annotated diary of President Jimmy Carter--filled with insights into his presidency, his relationships with friends and foes, and his lasting impact on issues that still preoccupy America and the world Each day during his presidency, Jimmy Carter made several entries in a private diary, recording his thoughts, impressions, delights, and frustrations. He offered unvarnished assessments of cabinet members, congressmen, and foreign leaders; he narrated the progress of secret negotiations such as those that led to the Camp David Accords. When his four-year term came to an end in early 1981, the diary amounted to more than five thousand pages. But this extraordinary document has never been made public--until now. By carefully selecting the most illuminating and relevant entries, Carter has provided us with an astonishingly intimate view of his presidency. Day by day, we see his forceful advocacy for nuclear containment, sustainable energy, human rights, and peace in the Middle East. We witness his interactions with such complex personalities as Ted Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Joe Biden, Anwar Sadat, and Menachem Begin. We get the inside story of his so-called "malaise speech," his bruising battle for the 1980 Democratic nomination, and the Iranian hostage crisis. Remarkably, we also get Carter's retrospective comments on these topics and more: thirty years after the fact, he has annotated the diary with his candid reflections on the people and events that shaped his presidency, and on the many lessons learned. Carter is now widely seen as one of the truly wise men of our time. Offering an unprecedented look at both the man and his tenure, White House Diary is a fascinating book that stands as a unique contribution to the history of the American presidency.

The First White House Library is the first book to consider the history of books and reading in the Executive Mansion.

In this flamboyant fiction novel, Louisiana Governor Huey “Kingfish” Long, one of Franklin Roosevelt’s political rivals, details a political fantasy in which he is president of the United States. Through imaginary conversations with men of power, he presents his aspirations, including the “Share Our Wealth” plan, created in 1934 under the motto “Every Man a King” and how he would enact the program if elected in 1936. The plan proposed new wealth redistribution measures in the form of a net asset tax on corporations and individuals to curb the poverty and homelessness endemic nationwide during the Great Depression. Long visualizes his inauguration as President of the United States and details his nomination picks for his executive cabinet, including William Edgar Borah as Secretary of State, James J. Couzens as Secretary of the Treasury, and Smedley Butler as Secretary of War. This book was published posthumously in 1935, following Long’s assassination on Sunday, September 8, 1935. It is illustrated throughout with political cartoons.

Now the littlest readers can learn about the White House--how it came to be, and what it's like to live there! In this engaging Little Golden Book, preschoolers will enjoy fascinating stories about the White House and some of the presidents, First Families, and even First Pets who have lived there. Simple words and bright artwork bring to life the story of how the White House came to be, and how it has changed over time. Little ones will learn that George Washington himself chose the building site, and that nearly every president has left his mark--from Thomas Jefferson's introduction of "water closets"--early toilets!--to Michelle Obama's vegetable garden. And kids will gain a clear understanding of the role the White House plays in American life and culture. Fun anecdotes about the rowdy Roosevelt children riding metal trays down the staircase, the annual Easter Egg Roll, and how the White House once kept cows for milk complete this charming nonfiction Little Golden Book.