Solid and interesting biography of Teddy Roosevelt's 10 year old daughter, Ethel, at the moment of his transition from Vice President to President. That moment presented from Ethel's point of view gives a strong and unusual voice to the family life of one of our presidents. Particularly interesting in that the family has very clear opinions on this white house that they have to occupy, and the Bradley doesn't shy away from presenting the ambiguity of Roosevelt's feelings on race -- both his personal feelings and his failings in staying true to them in the public eye. Altogether refreshing. ( )

ETHEL IS 10 YEARS OLD in 1901 when her family's life changed forever. Suddenly, Father is not only a famous cowboy, war hero, and politician, but also President Theodore Roosevelt, leader of the United States-and Ethel has a new place to call home. The White House is older and stuffier than Ethel imagined, but there's never a dull moment with her adventurous family around. Ethel would love to spend every day following Father on horseback rides and scrambles through neighboring Rock Creek Park. Instead, Ethel has to stay at boarding school during the week, where nothing she does feels right and none of the girls seem to like her. Ethel's parents keep telling her to keep her chin up and be patient, but it's not easy being the president's daughter. Ethel wishes she could be as courageous as father and make her family proud. When her fashionable older sister arrives home, Ethel feels new hope. Sister knows the secret of being brave and making friends, and she's willing to share it. All Ethel needs to do is take one outrageous dare.