DC By the Book

Excerpt: The White House was a breathtaking in the morning air, bathed in sunlight. A crowd was gathered outside the front entrance: men in long black coats and tall hats, and women in hoopskirts and bonnets with big bows.

Excerpt: The room had furniture covered in red satin. There was a large portrait of George Washington on the wall by the tall windows. No one was paying any attention to Tad as he pounded away on the piano keys. Even Willie was ignoring him. He was busy introducing Annie to a plump, dark-haired woman sitting on a sofa.

Excerpt: Jack looked around. The room was empty of people. It had a huge wooden bed with purple drapes. Flying birds were carved into the black wood. This must be the president's bedroom! Jack thought with awe and horror. He whirled around, but Tad gripped the door handle. "We can't stay here, Tad," Jack whispered furiously. "We'll get in terrible trouble!" "But President Lincoln is there, in his dressing room!" said Tad.