Social Studies: If the Walls Could Talk

If The Walls Could Talk: Family Life at the White House

Have you ever wondered how the White House was created or 

what type of rooms are found inside? Did you know that the White

House was burned down in 1812? 

Did you know that the words President John Adams wrote to his wife 

in a letter is carved in the White House on the fire place mantel?

"I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House and 

all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest 

and wise Men ever rule under this roof."

Jane O'Conner's If the Walls Could Talk tells the story of American history and the creation of the White House. It also expresses a little bit of personal and sometimes funny information about the first forty-three presidents of the United States of America. This children's historical book offers students insight into the history of each president in the White House and what years they had also served their presidency. The content of the text is offered in chronological order of the presidencies. The illustrator, Gary Hovlan, did an excellent job making the drawing historically accurate based off of appearances and fashion of each time period.