Customer Reviews

Washington City Is Burning

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is outstanding! The story and characters will stick with you.

The focus, of course, is the invasion of Washington City in the War of 1812. Tremendous extra value is added by telling the story from the point of view of a slave girl, Virginia. Dolley Madison saving the portrait of George Washington figures in the story, but that's really just the beginning. Washington City is Burning is a deep and inspiring book.

So much was added to this book because of a strong storyline about slavery in our nation's capital. To me, it was much more interesting than the actual invasion (although that is well told, too.) Did you know there were slave auctions just blocks away from the White House? Wait until you read about the suffering this little girl endured to save her fellow slaves--even before she became a house slave at the White House, the centerpiece of the book. There is an exciting sequence wherein Virginia rescues slaves that are to be sold at auction. Her bravery is stunning and humbling. Could you or I have done what she did?

I just cannot believe anyone would rate this book any less than 5 stars! I hope you read and enjoy this book. I think it is Newbery Medal quality.

The book has much history which children can enjoy to learn about. It talks about runaway slaves in the early 1800. I realy loved it!

I would give this book a low rating because it was really predictable and easy to read. When I first got it I thought it would be a challenge, and it wasn't. I didn't really like the book just because it had to do with older times, nothing new or at least recent. Another reason is it really didn't have as much war in it as I was hoping for. This book is kind of like Robot Raiders except no scientific stuff, and a much later year, plus this book was really easy. While Robot Raiders was kind of a challenge. If the book as a little more challenging then it could have probably gotten a higher rating. If some one were to use this for ideas for a history project it would be really good, because I believe the British did in fact actually invade and take over Washington city. That was the only time a president was forced to leave the White House.

I would probably recommend this book to a fifth grader or an advanced fourth grade reader. This book can actually be interesting at some points but when it really comes down to every thing, you'll probably know what is going to happen next.