White House Kids: The Perks, Pleasures, Problems, and Pratfalls of the Presidents' Children

Gr 5–8—Beginning with an overview of the young occupants of the White House, this volume richly details the perks and downfalls of being a president's child. Information on pets, favorite games and activities, stunts, ghostly sightings, and education of presidential offspring is intriguingly presented. Rhatigan explores the press's and the public's fascination with the children, particularly Ruth Cleveland, Alice Roosevelt, the Lincoln boys, and the Kennedy offspring, as well as the scrutiny and negative press endured by Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton. The author often addresses readers directly, incorporating "Imagine Living in the White House When…" and "Did You Know?" sidebars throughout. Photographs and illustrations are clearly labeled. Quotes and firsthand accounts are plentiful. Although most pages sport a great deal of text, pictures, and sidebars, the design is not overwhelming. Various White House roles, such as First Lady, Chief Usher, and the Marine Band, are defined. An appendix gives a short overview of the children's lives after they left the White House; a second appendix lists the presidents, their terms in office, and first ladies. The volume's short and succinct paragraphs will appeal to readers and will entice them to share their newfound knowledge with family members and friends.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA