This attractive informational text uses first-hand narratives and primary source materials to provide an astonishing account of the British invasion of Maryland and the nation’s capital during the War of 1812. Bibliography, Index, Source Quotations.

A detailed look at America’s best known house, this informational text is complemented with primary source photographs of presidents and their families. Try a suggested activity— from designing china, to using a presidential recipe. Places to Visit and Web Resources, Selected Bibliography.

I still don't quite understand the causes of the War of 1812, but I know a lot more about it than I did a few days ago. It's difficult to imagine 1814 Washington, DC---the image of 21st-century DC keeps getting in the way---but the story is an interesting one. Sutcliffe does well combining her narrative with original sources. Dolley Madison's personality comes through well, and I really feel for the men who made the decision to burn the Navy Yard. ( )

This was published a few years ago but I just discovered it and am now eager to introduce it to fans of history, disasters, and fast-paced historical adventures.

Jane Sutcliffe presents a moment-by-moment account of the burning of the White House in the war of 1812. She includes eyewitness accounts from soldiers, civilians, slaves, and government officials. The story opens with a brief background of the war's causes and then takes readers on a tense, moment-by moment description of the British advance on Washington, the retreat of the American troops, and the burning of the White House. While the main emphasis is on the main actors in the events, Sutcliffe also includes the perspective of slaves and women.

Back matter includes a detailed bibliography, notes, and index.

Verdict: Even though this is a few years old, it's an excellent account of an important historical incident. Fans of I Survived will be interested in checking this out and it makes a great book talk. It's a fast read and holds the readers' interest.

ISBN: 9781580896566; Published 2014 by Charlesbridge; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

The burning of the White House by the British during the War of 1812 is told from the viewpoints of various witnesses and participant, including First Lady Dolley Madison, a British officer, and a nine-year-old slave. Sutcliffe makes great use of primary source material in this well-rounded, engagingly told account. ( )