Michelle Obama: An American Story
Of the recent biographies for youth about Michelle Obama, this title delves into the greatest depth on the subject of the First Lady’s family roots, reaching back to stories of her ancestors who toiled as slaves on a rice plantation in South Carolina. These historical chapters might feel tangential to readers seeking fast facts, but they add welcome context to Obama’s inspiring story. When the text does focus solely on the First Lady, it offers a strong sense of who Obama was as a child, her solid upbringing, and her adult choices, all bolstered with numerous quotes from Obama and those who know her best, including her husband. Focused mostly on her youth and early years of marriage, the book does include a few references to the Obamas’ new life in the White House, including family details that will interest a young audience: “My daughters are doing chores,” Obama has told the White House staff, for example. Two sections of color photos and appended source notes for direct quotes complete this timely, highly readable biography. Grades 5-8. --Gillian Engberg