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On My Own History
Washington Is Burning
Fifteen-year-old Paul Jennings looked out the window of the President's House. America was at war with Britain, and British soldiers were marching toward Washington. Terrified people were fleeing the city. But Paul was not going to join them yet. He was a slave who belonged to President Madison and his wife, Dolley. Dolley did not want to leave until her husband returned from the battlefront. Paul stayed by her side, helping her pack up official papers and belongings. Finally, they could wait no longer. But there was one more treasure they had to save. Were they too late?
- GenresAmerican HistoryHistory
48 pages, Library Binding
First published December 15, 2005
About the author
Marty Rhodes Figley
22 books14 followersI have fond memories of summer visits to my grandparents in Hannibal, Missouri. Grandma and Grandpa Priests' grocery store featured a candy case chock full of wax lips, licorice sticks and jawbreakers. Grandma and Grandpa Rhodes' farm delighted me with cute, baby calves and garden-fresh corn on the cob. I love to write about ordinary children experiencing exciting events in our country's history. I hope that when young readers finish one of my books they realize that history is much more than facts and dates. It's filled with children's hopes and dreams.
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June 23, 2012Name: Kristina Jewell
Title: Orback, C., & Figley, M. (2006). Washington is burning. Millbrook Press.
Call Number: E356.W3
Reference Type: Biographical Reference
Description: The burning of the White House is discussed through the eyes of the young slave of President Madison, Paul Jennings. The book is written for students in grades 2-4.
Price: $23.95
Relevance and Relationship: Young males, specifically young African American males, are typically less likely to be motivated to read. Though the library has books with male African American subjects, most are not historical books. This book does a wonderful job of showing an important part of American history through and African American’s eyes.
Purpose: This book is intended to motivate African American males to read. The librarian can use this book to collaborate with classroom teachers on lessons about Revolutionary history or Black History month lessons.
Validity: This book is recommended by the School Library Journal.
Format: Print
Arrangement/Presentation: The book is presented as a story and includes information on several milestones in African American history, such as the Civil War. The art is bright and interesting for young readers.
Diversity: This book is told from the perspective of an African American slave. The perspective is great for young readers who may not typically see African Americans in a book’s lead role. It is an interesting way to introduce young readers to the sensitive subject of slavery and could be a great starting point for discussions.
Reviewed By: Ranelli, J. R. (2006). Washington is burning/Juneteenth. School library journal, 52(3), 208.
Title: Orback, C., & Figley, M. (2006). Washington is burning. Millbrook Press.
Call Number: E356.W3
Reference Type: Biographical Reference
Description: The burning of the White House is discussed through the eyes of the young slave of President Madison, Paul Jennings. The book is written for students in grades 2-4.
Price: $23.95
Relevance and Relationship: Young males, specifically young African American males, are typically less likely to be motivated to read. Though the library has books with male African American subjects, most are not historical books. This book does a wonderful job of showing an important part of American history through and African American’s eyes.
Purpose: This book is intended to motivate African American males to read. The librarian can use this book to collaborate with classroom teachers on lessons about Revolutionary history or Black History month lessons.
Validity: This book is recommended by the School Library Journal.
Format: Print
Arrangement/Presentation: The book is presented as a story and includes information on several milestones in African American history, such as the Civil War. The art is bright and interesting for young readers.
Diversity: This book is told from the perspective of an African American slave. The perspective is great for young readers who may not typically see African Americans in a book’s lead role. It is an interesting way to introduce young readers to the sensitive subject of slavery and could be a great starting point for discussions.
Reviewed By: Ranelli, J. R. (2006). Washington is burning/Juneteenth. School library journal, 52(3), 208.
Displaying 1 of 1 review