Capital Days

Michael Shiner's Capital Days introduces young readers to Washington, D.C. during the early to mid-nineteenth century. Spanning over 60 years, the story of Michael Shiner highlights a period of immense change in America and its capital. From the burning of the city during the War of 1812 to the rebuilding/renovation of the Capitol and White House to the raising of the Washington Monument to the Civil War, the end of slavery and numerous other "capital days," this book offers readers fresh insights and background about how our nation's capital came to be. The book includes excerpts from Shiner's diary, other primary sources and archival images. Much as she did in Maritcha and Searching for Sarah Rector, award-winning author Tonya Bolden expertly examines the intricacies of American history through the lens of one man's life. This book is illustrated with archival photographs and will include a bibliography and endnotes.