Reach Higher: An Inspiring Photo Celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama

by Amanda Lucidon

This visual celebration of Michelle Obama from an official White House photographer is perfect for young readers who want to know more about a beloved former First Lady.

This stunning and revealing collection of seventy photographs, coupled with personal reflections and behind-the-scenes stories, captures and celebrates Mrs. Obama's White House years and her dedication to improving the lives of young people in the United States and around the world.

As a former official White House photographer, Amanda Lucidon shares an insider's view on the role of the First Lady by documenting life at the White House and sharing personal memories that reveal what makes Mrs. Obama so special.

The collection also

Newly adapted in a deluxe format for young readers from the New York Times bestseller Chasing Light , Reach Higher is a beautiful celebration of Michelle Obama and powerful reminder of the impact of a remarkable First Lady.

Praise for adult edition, Chasing Michelle Obama Through the Lens of a White House
"Michelle Obama, with dignity, grace, and respect, has taught and inspired all of us to chase what is good, right, and just." --Congressman John Lewis

"This awesome collection of images reminds us of how powerful the role of First Lady has evolved to become. . . . It is a joyous collection." --Meryl Streep

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Art, History, Politics, Presidents, Picture Books

112 pages, Hardcover

Published October 23, 2018

Reviews

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely photos and lovely text. Sort of a companion to Dream Big Dreams, but with more descriptive text and not quite as many photos. It didn't pack quite the punch Dream Big Dreams did, i.e. there was only one point at which I almost cried.

[Briony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures are lovely and Lucidon does a nice job of detailing what Michelle Obama did during her 8 years as the first lady. However, the book left me wanting more photographs for each section.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book to my daughter - she was a little irritated that I kept crying, though! Michelle Obama over and over again puts forth such an amazing example of how to treat others and how a life should be spent. I'm so proud that my votes were part of putting her in the position of First Lady and all that she did to help others during her tenure.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reach Higher : An inspiring Photo Celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama by Amanda Lucidon, PICTURE BOOK Crown Books for Young Readers ( Random House), 2018. $19.99. 9780525644002

Content: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...

[Laura Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amanda Lucidon was a White House photographer during the Obama presidency; this book details what it's like to be a White House photographer, how the Obamas used the residence during their time there and Michelle Obama's initiatives and role as First Lady. Lucidon points out that the role of First Lady is not an elected position, but holds great power as a spokesperson for the administration, a public face and more. The text is spare and every page has gorgeous photos. Michelle Obama is undeniably photogenic. Many of the photos show her hugging children, with the family dogs and greeting foreign dignitaries. Students who read this book will come away with a good understanding of the role of the First Lady as a host, a role model, and an advocate for causes like veteran's rights, healthy living and girls' education. The book is written in first person so students will also learn about the role of a White House photographer. This is a great book for browsing and will be a hit with families who miss the Obama era. I enjoyed looking at the photographs even though I was a little disappointed by the text.

There are a few points where I felt there was a missed opportunity. For example, Lucidon mentions that it was a "special moment in history" when she saw a group of young black girls dancing in the State Dining Room under Abraham Lincoln's portrait. As an adult reader, I know the significance of that moment, but young children likely will not. Likewise, Obama's Let Girls Learn initiative doesn't get very much attention. Ultimately, the book suffers from an organizational problem: is it a book about Michelle Obama as First Lady or a book about the experience of being a White House photographer?

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to catch an interview with Michelle Obama a few weeks ago while she was celebrating International Day of the Girl on a news show. Listening to her speak about the Obama Foundation's launch of the Global Girls Alliance and the importance of education for girls was inspiring. So it's no wonder that Amanda Lucidon chose to honor the former First Lady by putting together this book of photographs with interesting information and facts regarding the White House and its history.

Amanda Lucidon was a photographer for the White house from 2013 to 2017. She is only one of the few female photographers to work at the White House, and, in fact, was the only one during the Obama administration. Her pictures have been honored in many platforms. Amanda will inspire many girls to follow in her footsteps after reading this book.

Reach Higher is full of beautiful photographs of Michelle Obama, but it's also much more than that. It's an informative book about First Ladies, Amanda's role as a White House photographer, and a bit of history of the White House as well. Young readers will not feel overwhelmed by it though. They'll be taken in by the intimate and colorful photos during the Obama's administration and hopefully will be inspired by such a strong woman.

Read more at https://www.toreadornottoread.net/201...

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Reach Higher: An Inspiring Photo Celebration of First Lady Michelle Obama' is a stunning collection of photographs and inspiring stories about Michelle Obama and the wonderful work she did while she was First Lady. Older children are going to get the most out of this book because they'll be able to understand the stories and information behind the photos while reading. Younger kids will love to see the many beautiful pictures and will enjoy having stories about Mrs. Obama read to them on their level so they can also understand some of what she was able to accomplish while First Lady. The photographs are gorgeous and show an intimate side to Mrs. Obama that can rarely be seen elsewhere. I loved looking through them and reading the accompanying stories and information about the former First Lady. I wasn't aware of some of the things she had done - it's very impressive and makes me appreciate her even more than I already did. Definitely recommended for older children who can read themselves, younger kids who can be read to, and even adults who would like a closer look at Mrs. Obama and her years in the White House.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photographers capture moments in history, whether they be intimate personal moments or very public ones. This photo album from one of the official White House photographers shares 70 photos of First Lady Michelle Obama as she went about her daily duties. Not only do the photos capture the essence of this warm and caring woman, but they share just how human Michelle Obama is as they feature her listening intently, giving hugs, dancing, and being silly as well as reading dramatically Where the Wild Things Are. The book contains snippets of history about the White House and previous First Ladies as well as sharing some words of wisdom and inspiration from Michelle. It was interesting to see some of the places she traveled during her time as First Lady and make note of some of the issues and causes that mattered to her. I particularly appreciated the photos celebrating the arts and the reminder that they are every bit as essential as food and shelter. I've always wondered about how hard it must be for the spouse of a President to be thrust into this particular role and how certain women remake ther role in their own images. This book made me miss the Obamas even more and long for more photographs and to be able to turn back time.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former official White House Photographer Amanda Lucidon has compiled an amazing collections of photographs documenting the First Lady's time in the White House and beyond. We see official pictures of Michelle Obama as she welcomes people into her home, plays with dignitaries (and her dogs), hosts Girl Scouts on the lawn, grows a garden and acts as an important role model for girls and women all over the world.

Lucidon is a talented photographer. She has captured the First Lady's spirit and initiatives perfectly. An uplifting and inspirational collection, I found myself crying - often. She has provided an amazing legacy.

For this and more of my reviews, visit Kiss the Book at https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Samantha Jenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book includes photographs that tell the story of Michelle Obama and how she inspired others throughout many years of being the First Lady. While covering her multiple years living in the White House, these pictures show show Michelle Obama worked to improve the lives of the younger generations. The insight of a former White House photographer reveals some her memories of the First Lady, and what makes her different. I would recommend this book for children 1st-5th grade because it shows, in pictures, how Michelle Obama impacted the youth and is very inspiring. Also, this book could be used if a report were being done on Michelle Obama for older elementary students.

[Kjersti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but I wanted more! I read the photo book by Pres Obama’s White House photographer, which was nice and thick. This book by Michelle’s White House photographer was very thin in comparison. She provided a lot of good historical background and context for each photo.

[Honor Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days when the White House earned respect. Positive reflections for young people.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Obama is truly an inspiration to me. She strives to promote positivity and inclusivity. This pictorial history is amazing.

[Amelie Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has thought me so much about The First Lady and her life, family, and kids. I really hope the quotes and inspiration from the perspective of the photographer will help you learn some lessons like I did!

[Nobies57]

I can't review this because I haven't read it yet, but I did look through it and the photographs are great and exciting and inspiring. The author was the only female photographer in the Obama White House. The pictures captures Michelle Obama working with so many different groups of young people. She is a woman who found causes and took action. Her energy and positive use of power brought happiness and pride to all who were lucky enough to work with her. At least it looks this way in the book, which I need to read.