Teddy Roosevelt and the treasure is a book about kids living in the White House. The first book centers around three of Theodore Roosevelt's children, Kermit, Ethel and Archie. Their mother is away and they are left in the charge of a comical nanny named Mrs. Duffit and their President father, who is very preoccupied with the visit from a Russian Ambassador, Count Cassini. Eager to keep the children out of trouble, President Roosevelt sends his children on a treasure hunt, just like Treasure Island, only in the White House. There are mysteries popping out of Dolley Madison paintings and strange things goings on in the attic; the result is a rollicking good time and a crash course in American history too.
This book was funny and realistic. Michelle Obama writes a letter to include at the beginning of the book for kids. I read this book to my son and he said “Mommy I wish I lived in the white house.” Historical fiction brings fact and imagination for kids; relating the past to the present. It allows children to think as well as feel. They are learning while still enjoying reading time.
I would use this book as a Social Studies project. Have the kids read it then write a review of each chapter. This teaches great writing and reading skills; it also helps students to reflect back on what they read. This is great for teachers to evaluate how well students pay attention to what they read.