Portrait of a First Lady

"You've got to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. All right? Trust me, I was right where you guys are. I grew up in the same kind of neighborhood. The thing that made me different from a lot of other kids who didn't have opportunities was that I tried new stuff and I wasn't afraid to be uncomfortable" (excerpt of a speech given by Michelle Obama to young girls in South Carolina during the 2008 presidential campaign, p. 62).


Michelle Obama: An American Story by David Colbert Sandpiper Books, 2008, 151 pp. $15.99 Biography ISBN 978054724941-4




Royal Readers, for Women's History Month I chose the biography of the United States of America's historical first African American First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama. No matter what you think of her husband, another historic first, she will be forever entrenched in our history. David Colbert chose to cover Michelle's developmental years to her courtship and early years of marriage. However, we do get a glimpse of what married life, motherhood, and life on the campaign trail (senate and presidential) was like. Interviews with close friends, relatives, acquaintances, and the subject herself, provide a candid look and a sense of connectedness.

For most people, especially women and people of color, it is often difficult to relate to people in power or in the majority. Growing up in the United States, most of us were taught to value the American way and to believe in the pursuit of happiness and that individuals can achieve anything with hard work and determination. Michelle Obama is truly reflective of this value system. When she was growing up, she knew that she was destined for greatness and not only talked the talk, but walked the walk as well. Young people who are striving for excellence or maybe need a role model to emulate will be able to identify with the portrait of a humble but proud woman that Mr. Colbert writes about. In addition, readers will crave more information about her life in the White House, as he only provided a few references including family details that will interest young adult audiences. Two sections of color photographs were added to make this a highly readable biography.

Dahlings, by now you know me, etc., etc.. While I enjoyed this book, I am warning all the gossips that you will not find any trashy details, controversial-yes, trashy -no. Michelle's story from start to finish is inspiring! From facing what the younger crowd calls 'haters' (people who are always trying to put you down) to overcoming racism growing up in Chicago and later on in her academic career in high school and later Princeton. Although we are not privy to all the details (spice), Michelle herself through interviews is quite candid and saucy. When asked what the First Lady she thinks she is like-most compare her to the fabulous Jackie O (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), she replied on page 137, "...I think I can only be who I am in this role. And that's going to come with all the pluses and minuses and baggage and insecurities and all the things that I'll bring into it, plus my hopes and dreams along with it." For this reason (To thine own self be true) , I am crowning her as an honorary Queen, even though she dubbed herself as the "Mom-in-Chief". From one Queen to another-"You Go Girl!"

I recommend that you check out the National First Ladies' Library at http://www.firstladies.org/ to find out more about the lives and times of all our First Ladies. Also check out the Inaugural Gowns and First Ladies exhibit at the Smithsonian museum at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/First-Ladys-Inaugural-Gown-Arrives-at-Smithsonian.html

Queenie