The compelling true story behind the building of the White House, a
powerful part of history rarely taught. From Coretta Scott King Award
winners Charles R. Smith Jr. and Floyd Cooper.
The home of the United States president was built by many hands,
including those of slaves, who undertook this amazing achievement long
before there were machines to do those same jobs.
Stirring and emotional, Floyd Cooper's stunning illustrations bring to
life the faces of those who endured hard, brutal work when the profit of
their labor was paid to the master, not the slave. The fact that many
were able to purchase their freedom after earning money from learning a
trade speaks to the strength of those individuals. They created this
iconic emblem of America, brick by brick.
Includes an insightful author's note and a list of selected resources.