Washington Is Burning (On My Own History)

Grade 2-4–Washington describes the burning of the White House as seen through the eyes of President Madisons slave, 15-year-old Paul Jennings. The account unfolds chronologically during August and September 1814. A brief, vague explanation for the presence of British soldiers is given. Dialogue, thoughts, and other events are compiled from cited, primary sources written by Jennings; French John, the head servant; and First Lady Dolley Madison. Notable for telling a historical event from the viewpoint of a slave, the book fails to show the nature of slavery objectively. Whereas the afterword reveals that Dolley Madison sold Jennings after her husbands death, the storys illustrations depict Jennings as equal to employee French John rather than as property.