Our White House: Looking In,
Looking Out
Everything You Want Your Kids to Know About the White House and our Presidents!
Building on the logical links between literacy, historical literacy, and civic engagement, the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance created Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out to encourage young people to read more about America’s rich history and culture; to think more about America’s future; to talk more about our nation’s leadership; and to act on their own beliefs and convictions, ensuring this great democratic experiment will survive and thrive.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough introduces this creative tour de force, in which 108 renowned authors and illustrators have donated their poetry, prose, and art to help advance the cause of young people’s literacy and historical literacy. The illustrations, essays, short stories, presidential letters, personal reflections, and historical accounts in Our White House inform and entertain, offering a window on more than 200 years of American history.
It is our hope that adults will share Our White House with the young people they live with and work for, not only to rouse their interest in our nation’s heritage, but also to energize and inspire young people on their journeys to becoming our nation’s future leaders.
The National Endowment for the Humanities has named Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out as one of its notable We the People Bookshelf selection for its 2009-2010 theme Picturing America. The American Library Association, Publsiher's Weekly, School Library Journal, Amazon, The Horn Book Magazine have all named Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out as one of the Best Books for Young People.
Here is a sampling of some of the remarkable illustrations in this visually stunning book!
Bones on the Floor illustration by Brian Selznick 
Elizabeth Keckly and Mary Lincoln 
Eleanor Roosevelt illustration by P.J. Lynch 
Teddy Roosevelt's Children by Chris Van Dusen
Presidential Timeline Game illustration by Bob Kolar
