The Hill: Inside the Secret World of the U.S. Capitol
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- USD 10.99
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- USD 10.99
Publisher Description
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower shares a special look inside America’s Capitol and highlights what the people who work there mean to the future of democracy. Perfect for readers of Brower’s first middle grade book, Exploring the White House!
There’s a secret world hidden in the halls of the U.S. Capitol!
The first stone was laid by George Washington himself, and the building stands today as one of the most recognizable symbols of the oldest democracy in the world. In this home of America’s legislative branch, senators and representatives fight to pass laws they believe are for the good of the country.
But these hallowed halls, which some swear are haunted, also harbor a deep history—both extraordinary and unsettling—and that is an equally important part of America’s story.
There is an entire universe tucked away inside the Capitol, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Kate Andersen Brower highlights the historic firsts, the building’s restricted nooks and crannies, and the staffers—from pages to doorkeepers to librarians—who ensure that American democracy stays on track.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Taking up more than 1.5 million square feet and boasting more than 600 rooms, plus its own subway system, barbershop, and dining options, the U.S. Capitol proves a fascinating subject in this cutaway-feeling view of its inner workings by Andersen Bower (The Hidden History of the White House, for adults). In three parts rendered in meticulous detail, the author covers the building's development, staff, and significance beginning with its initial construction, which was completed by more than 200 enslaved laborers in 1793. Chapters relating the complicated ins and outs of running this small city highlight individuals like Daryl Chappelle, who was the conductor of the Senate subway for 44 years. Later sections describe occasions and legislators who have made history within its halls, such as Hiram Revels, the first Black senator, and Barney Frank, who in 1987 became the first member of Congress to come out as gay. To showcase how the "Capitol has been the site of important moments throughout history," Andersen Brower additionally spotlights "five incredible days on Capitol Hill" from 1814 to 2021. Archival photos bring the Capitol to life, reminding readers that "understanding the past helps us make sense of where we are today." Ages 8–12.
