Primary sources and anecdotal sidebars combine with an engaging text to present a thorough discussion of what it's like to be a child or teenager living in the White House. The awkward pastel illustrations detract from the presentation, but plentiful photographs augment the scrapbooklike design. This is an inviting, fact-filled look at the pros and cons of being a member of the First Family. Bib., ind.

A fascinating and entertaining insider's intimate view of the White House through the eyes of 70 children and grandchildren of our commanders in chief. Through first-person accounts from letters and interviews, Rhatigan reveals the perks and problems of living in America's most famous residence. A bowling alley in the basement and chefs available to make any food you want sound great, but you also have to put up with reporters following your every move and Secret Service agents never letting you out of sight. Readers learn how life in the White House has changed since John Adams and his family first occupied the mansion, who were the worst behaved presidential children, about the menageries of animals that have come and gone, and what kind of relationships children had with their parents. Factoids sprinkled throughout the text offer anecdotes about White House weddings, gifts presidential kids received and ghosts that supposedly haunt the mansion. Attractively designed in a scrapbook format with appropriate use of red, white and blue, the text is abundantly illustrated with photographs and archival images. An inviting collection of insightful, interesting and often wacky and weird facts and stories about U.S. presidents and their families. (appendices, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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&30;" 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