White House Clubhouse: White House on Fire!
When Clara and Marissa, daughters of the US president, open a panel underneath a side table in the White House, they slide into a secret clubhouse specifically for the children of presidents. It’s also a time-travel portal, whisking them into key points in US history.
In this second book in the White House Clubhouse series, Clara and Marissa land smack in the middle of the War of 1812. The British are burning the city. Clara and Marissa flee with the portrait of George Washington.
With lots of twists and turns, the girls manage to be in the right place at the right time to influence history, which is fun. Based in part on a memoir of the time written by Paul Jennings, an enslaved man who served as President Madison’s personal valet, this book seems very well researched. It includes a wide range of characters of all backgrounds.
The author includes details of battle techniques and sailing ships, as well as many historical figures. In addition, the book includes a map at the front, and historical back matter, making it comprehensive for use in schools and satisfying for personal reading. The plot moves along swiftly—a bonus for child readers.
This premise of the secret clubhouse follows a long tradition of time travel for the elementary school set. With black and white drawings, this book is an exciting addition to that legacy. Ages 8-12.
