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WhiteHouse.gov/kids

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Government lessons without the politics.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    A useful parents and teachers guide helps boost the site's educational value. The "My American Journal," "Dream Team" of American notable characters in history, multi-grade math challenges, and Laura Bush's booklists are the highlights.

  • Messages:

    Promotes learning about government officials, branches of government, and discovering your own ideas about what it means to be an American via the site's printable "My American Journal."
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A couple of sections discuss supporting the troops in current conflicts. There's a "freedom timeline" that tells stories about past wars.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    This is a .gov site created by the executive branch, so expect a few propaganda-ish phrases in some sections on issues like the war.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About WhiteHouse.gov/kids

Parents need to know that this site is the kids' portion of the official site for the executive branch of the U.S. government. The history lessons stay neutral and the games are educational. Portions of the site comes across as PR material -- like the bios for the president, first lady, VP, and his wife -- but, overall, kids see Barney (Bush's dog) promoted here far more than administration officials. There is a link to the "adult" White House site.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the government. What's the role of the executive branch? The downloadable, printable My American Journal offers countless opportunities for parents and kids to discuss what it means to be an American. The open-ended questions like, "I am proud to be an American because..." and "My friends and family can support out troops by..." may have very different answers in different families.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    900david
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 5.0

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