Where Is the White House?

Where Is the White House?

NONFICTION HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY • PENGUIN "WHERE IS...?" SERIES

Part of Penguin’s bestselling Where Is...? series, Where Is the White House? invites young readers behind the iconic neoclassical columns of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to uncover the rich, evolving history of America's most famous address.

First completed in 1799, the White House was the brainchild of George Washington, who dreamed of an elegant presidential mansion in the capital city named in his honor—making him the ironic sole U.S. president who never actually lived inside its walls. From its early construction and dramatic destruction during the War of 1812 to sweeping twentieth-century reconstructions and the private moments of the First Families who called it home, this detailed account mirrors the very story of America itself.

"In this detailed account of the nation’s most well-known residence, young historians will get an intriguing glimpse into the White House’s initial construction, the renovations it has undergone, the capital city of Washington, D.C., and the lives of the First Families who have called this landmark building 'home.'"

Core Historical & Architectural Highlights:

• The Vision of a Capital: Explores George Washington and city planner Pierre L'Enfant's blueprint for Washington, D.C., and a permanent home for the executive branch.

• Survival & Reconstruction: Recounts how the mansion weathered historical trials, including being burned by British forces in 1814 and completely gutted and rebuilt under President Truman.

• Life Inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: Highlights the famous historical decisions, state dinners, mischievous presidential pets, and growing-up-in-the-spotlight moments of various First Families.

Key Book Features at a Glance:

Perfect For:

• Young Historians & Readers (Ages 8–12): Independent readers curious about U.S. presidents, architecture, and how history is made.

• Classroom & Library Collections: A go-to resource for social studies, government, and American history curricula.

• Fans of the Where Is / Who Was Series: Readers collecting educational adventures exploring famous buildings and historical milestones.