Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady

"Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady" was published the month Michelle Obama became First Lady--January 2009. Written for a children's audience of 8-12 to acquaint them with this historic First Lady, the book is direct and brief, but loaded with information which reveals the kind of woman Michelle Obama is. It is an inspiring story, one that should encourage 8-12 readers to consider their own lives and circumstances and aim to formulate their own ambitions and goals that this successful, ethical woman must surely inspire. Michelle comes from a middle class black neighborhood in Chicago and was one of the first African-Americans to attend a magnet school which practiced diversity. She followed her brother to Princeton, where she continued to earn straight A's. She earned her law degree from Harvard. Michelle is one of those really lucky people born into a Cleaver-type family. Her own inspiration was her father, who had multiple sclerosis, but was an example to his family of a responsible, hard-working breadwinner. In addition to responsibility, her parents also touted education. So here is a woman, naturally very smart with an excellent education. Where will she begin her work career? In a high-powered law firm, drawing big bucks, but this job did not bring the satisfaction she wanted. However, her second role in this firm was to mentor a summer intern: Barack Obama. (Don't you feel some things are fated!?) She moved to a job in the mayor's office in economic development. Why give up the big bucks? She felt a person should wake up and love going to work, that a job should mean something. She worked for two more businesses before going on the presidential campaign trail: as Associate Dean of Student Services for the University of Chicago and in community outreach for the University of Chicago Medical Center. I mention all these positions because they indicate a major character trait: Michelle's focus and drive which resulted from her inherent intelligence and hard-earned education. Of course there is more to this story: family, courtship, marriage, children, political campaigns. Michelle lists a number of things she can effect as First Lady, including children and education. One thing is certain--whatever she supports will be done 100%. Although I already admired Michelle Obama before reading this book, I came to deeply like and respect her. Really, I am a bit enamored of the kind of person she is and hope she can accomplish worthy things in office. I deducted one star because the book appears to be an overnight affair. Even though this is a paperback, it is comprised of paper that closely resembles newsprint. I was horrified. Newsprint for a First Lady? Just a slight addendum: In the process of reading this book, I was talking with one of our parents (he had come to pick up his daughter). A personal trainer by occupation, Herman told me that women ask how they can get "Michelle Obama arms." So add that trait to her growing list.

This a great little book for kids, to introduce them to the current First Lady. I recommend it for parents and kids as well.

The Biography of Michelle Robinson Obama. The author paints a picture of honorable people who rose up from humble beginnings, giving their children the big chance. And Michelle did not disappoint them. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago with a hard-working, struggling family means that the First Lady to be understands the hard-working men and women who built America. Michelle Robinson quickly learned the value of dreams from her dedicated father who sacrificed his own life so that his daughter could have a better one. The book goes on to show how she persevered through law school, met her husband and began a relentless crusade to support her husband's political life. It seems she was correctly on target. She is perceived as steadfast and never wavering, a politician's wife! The author makes you feel like you want to salute her efforts and what she believes in. I also applaud the author's uplifting attitude in his quest to present her in her best light. I think readers will feel closer to this woman, not just because she arrived at the top of the hill, but because we get a glimpse at what she holds most dear and makes her a person. The book is short and easy reading, practical for young, restless teens, but it sends a solid message about someone who broke the mold and made history. I am equally convinced that an adult can derive insight from its content as well. Although it appears that David Bergen Brophy is new to publishing, this initial work will launch his career.

This was an excellent book about Mrs. Obama. It was easy reading and very interesting. Fantastic.

Good overview about Michelle Obama. Easy to read, I'd recommend for young readers because of the short length. But I enjoyed it as an adult! :->