From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Robinet has used some events of the War of 1812 and other historical facts as the background for this first-person fictionalized narrative. Virginia, or Virgie as Dolley Madison insists on calling her, recounts her life as a young slave of James and Dolley Madison. The strengths of this story are the author's use of the personal-journal style, the incorporation of real facts and people from the African-American community, and the attitudes of the British during that period of our history. Robinet evokes both empathy and dislike for her young heroine as Virginia recounts how she foolishly reveals secret information about slave escapes while trying to get some affection from a traitorous, hateful female slave. The slaves' strengths and weaknesses, the hardships and triumphs they endure, and their interactions unfold as readers get information about important events and people in Washington City during the early 1800s. The author's note will help readers get a better perspective about the truths in this work of fiction. This book could be introduced along with Patricia and Frederick McKissack's Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters (Scholastic, 1994). The dialogue has the nuance of slave speech, but it will not deter readers. An above-average choice for historical-fiction shelves.
Marie T. Wright, University Library, Indianapolis
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Marie T. Wright, University Library, Indianapolis
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Synopsis
As a White House slave under President Madison, Virginia eats well and has nice clothes. She hates the cruelty slavery brings to others, and is glad to be a part of a conspiracy that helps slaves find freedom. Helping hundreds of slaves escape when the British set fire to the White House during the War of 1812, Virginia chooses to remain behind and continue to work for the freedom of others.
--Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
