Author: Harriette Gillem Robinet
Recommended Age: 12-14
Date Published: 1996
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: Virginia of Madison is a slave child, but her name is famous among those who know her secret. Honored and respected for her bravery, Virginia is tasked with living in the President’s household and sneaking slaves out of Washington, D.C. and to freedom. But when a spy threatens their plans and the British troops may burn Washington, will Virginia herself choose freedom?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
- Noble Characters: Young Virginia, hailed for her bravery and courage in working to free other slaves from Washington, is a slave to President Madison and his wife. As the British attempt to reclaim the struggling colonies during the War of 1812, Virginia must decide where her true loyalties lie before Washington City burns and the British take over America.
- Captivating Plots: The threat of British strength. The fear of a slave uprising. The perilous promise of hope as dozens of slaves escape to find freedom with the British. Virginia finds herself caught in the middle, forced to choose between her American loyalties and the rewarding promises of the British.
- Elaborate Worlds: Growing up, the War of 1812 was one of my favorite historical eras. In Washington City Is Burning, author Harriette Gillem Robinet sheds striking light on this unique time in American history when the empire of Britain fought to reclaim the struggling colonies. For Virginia of Madison, she must face a perilous choice. Join the British and find personal freedom, or choose a life in America to help others like herself escape slavery?
