Nonfiction Monday: The White House is Burning, August 24, 1814 by Jane Sutcliffe

This was published a few years ago but I just discovered it and am now eager to introduce it to fans of history, disasters, and fast-paced historical adventures.

Jane Sutcliffe presents a moment-by-moment account of the burning of the White House in the war of 1812. She includes eyewitness accounts from soldiers, civilians, slaves, and government officials. The story opens with a brief background of the war's causes and then takes readers on a tense, moment-by moment description of the British advance on Washington, the retreat of the American troops, and the burning of the White House. While the main emphasis is on the main actors in the events, Sutcliffe also includes the perspective of slaves and women.

Back matter includes a detailed bibliography, notes, and index.

Verdict: Even though this is a few years old, it's an excellent account of an important historical incident. Fans of I Survived will be interested in checking this out and it makes a great book talk. It's a fast read and holds the readers' interest.

ISBN: 9781580896566; Published 2014 by Charlesbridge; Borrowed from another library in my consortium