Bitten by Books
Dolley Payne Madison was born during a time when women had few rights. She married a young man chosen by her father, but he and their infant died of yellow fever, leaving Dolley a widow with a one-year-old son. Soon James Madison expressed his interest in her, and she accepted his proposal.
Extremely active in the politics of our new nation, James Madison enjoyed Dolley’s skill with people, and was proud when Thomas Jefferson, then the President, asked her to be his White House hostess. When James Madison became President, Dolley hosted Wednesday evening gatherings, known as squeezes, so people could meet the President. Her hostess skills and ability to make everyone feel welcome were legendary, and she remained a popular and beloved figure until the day she died.
Dolley was definitely an interesting woman, supportive of her husband’s ambitions and using her talents at entertaining in order to further his cause and that of our nation. She demonstrated strength and courage during a difficult time in our nation’s history, and though she could not save the White House from British looting during the War of 1812, she cleverly managed to save a portrait of George Washington. Dolley Madison: Women Who Broke the Rules was a fascinating read aimed at first through fourth graders, and it easily brought history alive.
Book Stats:
- Age Range: 6 - 9 years
- Paperback: 48 pages
- Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (June 9, 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0802737943
- ISBN-13: 978-0802737946
Buy a print copy of Dolley Madison: Women Who Broke the Rules from Amazon by clicking here.
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Summary : Dolley was definitely an interesting woman, supportive of her husband’s ambitions and using her talents at entertaining in order to further his cause and that of our nation. She demonstrated strength and courage during a difficult time in our nation’s history, and though she could not save the White House from British looting during the War of 1812, she cleverly managed to save a portrait of George Washington. Dolley Madison: Women Who Broke the Rules was a fascinating read aimed at first through fourth graders, and it easily brought history alive.
