Michelle Obama: An American Story

by David Colbert

Michelle Obama grew up on Chicago's South Side, and while the world outside her door was chaotic and ever-changing, her family provided a stable environment in which she could grow and flourish. This look at Michelle Obama's life and the turning points that shaped her shows how a girl from a working class background could rise to become one of the most influential women of her day.
   But this is more than a straight chronological retelling. This book looks at Michelle Obama's life story within the context of the larger movements in African American slavery, freedom, the Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights movement, and finally, her own era. 
   History is what has shaped Michelle and challenged her. And ultimately, not only has she overcome any obstacles put before her, she has carved out her own place in history as well.
   Includes 16 pages of color photos.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, African American

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2008

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok book, describing how Michele came to be the first lady and also delving into her ancestry a little. Some typos bothered me a little, but it wasn't terrible. Ok book overall. It will teach you a little trivia about the first lady.

[Tanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative biography about America's current First Lady. Definitely a very interesting woman to learn about but I found the style of the book not very engaging and wonder whether younger readers' attention can be kept up to the end. A real pity...

[Chelseaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great story about overcoming struggles. Michelle grew up in Chicago. Her dad died when she was young. Her good grades got her into great collages. This led her to be the first African-American first lady of America and an inspiration to a lot of people. This book was a very insteresting story about Michelle Obabma. This book is kind of long and confusing at times. This is a good example of a biography. This would be a good book for high school or collage students who are thinking about their future. Overall this is an inspirational story abotu Michelle growing up without a dad and then becoming the first lady.

[Daniel Saucedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography book on Michelle's life which was written about 1 year or before she because first ladyfor the united states. This book is truley inspiring to many want it was a bit to me. Michelle all along her life has been strong on education, and especially because of her parents' challenges they gave her and her brother Craig. All in all, everthing good she did as a child played in her life only to fall in fitting the pieces of her life. I reccomenend this enjoyable book about Michelle Obama if you would like to know more about her and her life. However, since this was written like in 2008-2009, there isn't many "acheived goals" for Michelle Obama in this book.

[Angel Villalobos]

This book is about Michelle Obama an amazing woman who is very smart. Michelle is very smart and started reading even before she entered elementary school and was very athletic but focused more on her studies so she would not be compared to her brother who was a pro athlete. Years later she graduated from high school then graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School where she met Barack Obama. After they graduated they got married and 12 years later Brock Obama was elected senator of Illinois.Now they are very happy together and have 2 beautiful girls.In conclusion i would recommend this book to any one who wants to learn more about The strong women of our nation.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is filled with information about Michelle. Loved how it started and the chapters are so interesting! The author was very good at explaining her life. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy biographies, first ladies, and learning about Michelle Obama.

[Tiffany S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short biography of Michelle Obama, it takes you through the stages of her life. It tells small "stories" to get you to know more about her. Each story is small and lets you see what type of person she is, what happened in her life, and some of her background information/family history. This is a really great book if you want to quickly learn who Michelle Obama is.

[Santhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A condensed version of their biographies, with focus on MO. I doubt I'll ever tire of reading their stories

[Cara Dore]

Title: Michelle Obama: An American Story
Author: David Colbert
Illustrator: n/a
Genre: Biography (3-5)

Theme(s): Patriotism, Education, Family

Opening line/sentence: A year before the 2008 presidential election, a headline on the Washington D.C. news website Wonkette asked, “Can Michelle Obama be first lady no matter what?”

Brief Book Summary: Michelle Obama: An American Story tells the story of Michelle Obama’s life, starting with her childhood and experiences in school up until her role as First Lady to the United States. The book includes pictures of Michelle throughout her life and captions to explain them.

Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
REVIEWER: Gillian Engberg (SOURCE: Booklist, Mar. 1, 2009 (Vol. 105, No. 13))
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.
(PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin (Boston:), PUBLISHED: 2009.)

Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Midwest Book Review (Children's Bookwatch, August 2009)
Michelle Obama's family moved from slavery to the White House in just a few generations, and Michelle Obama: An American Story recounts her family story for any young reader in grades 5-8. Her lively story blends family heritage with her road to the White House and provides an inspirational biography for any young reader. The Biography Shelf ...., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $16.00. grades 5-8
(PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin (Boston:), PUBLISHED: 2009.)

Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with the Midwest Book Review that this book is definitely for older readers, as there are lengthy chapters and no pictures. The point that Engberg makes about quotes from Michelle and others who know her well bolstering the text are true: it was fascinating to hear what Barack had to say about Michelle. Also going along with Engberg’s review, I agree that the focus Colbert places on Michelle’s ancestry is interesting to readers—a family moving from slavery to the White House is a modern telling of the American Dream.

Evaluation of Literary Elements: Michelle Obama: An American Story is in the format of a biography, but David Colbert integrates anecdotes and quotations which make the text more than just a work of non-fiction. There are overarching themes in this book and ideas such as “unwilling to be sidelined” which stuck with me as I read through it. I think it is important that there are photographs included in the center of the book because I referenced them while reading about particular stages in Michelle’s life.

Consideration of Instructional Application: Non-fiction is an important part of literacy that can unfortunately be rather dry. I think Michelle Obama: An American Story provides a rich example of what a biography can be. I would use this book to start a unit on non-fiction with my students. We would discuss what features of this book make it non-fiction and what aspects of the book they enjoyed. These conversations would assist me in helping students select biographies of their own to read.

[Antionea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about the brilliant women Michelle Obama originally Michelle LaVaughn Roberson. At the age of four Mrs. Obama was learning how to read but she don't want any one to teach her she wanted to learn on her own. She was very independent even at a young age. Mr.Obama's father was a wise man she admired him so much. As Michelle got older she graduated from Princeton university and Harvard Law school, and then spent her career working at the Law firm Sidney where she met Barack Obama. The two had been on dates meeting her family and cow workers who I fact Michelle was a little hesitant about. In 1990 the two married each other, and Michelle's disease had caught up with him at the age of 55 he'd passed away.As the years went by Michelle continued to work while Barack was busy running the city of Illinois as State senate of the Democratic Party. Michelle wanted children but with all the work Barack was busy with she stood by his side ever time and but her hopes of children to the side. In 1998 they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl and also in 2001. In 2004 Barack Obama ran for U.S. Senate, and in 2008 Mr. Barack Obama won the 2008 Presidential Campaign becoming President Of The United States from 2008 to 2016
The litary of this book was a little complex this is a great adult book, but is pretty simple and would be great for middle schoolers who should already be pretty aware of the words and wide definitions in the book.
I gave this book 5 stars. Ecayse I was already aware the Michelle Obama was an intelligent strong women, but I had no idea that she was strong on her words and what she stood by, for example when she dated before Obama if her parents didn't approve that was the end of that because she respected her family that much end I think that is what makes women so strong to mean and go by what they say and believe in and to not settled I just love how smart and independent she is.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the book Michelle Obama: An American Story by David Colbert. I honestly didn'the know that much about Michelle Obama than her just being America's former first lady and her "Let's Move" program. Just from the summary on the back made me think, I am so down to read this. She sounded like such an inspirational person and I think that she would be a good influence on me. After reading about her childhood I was like Wow! Her father had a disability but still, strived through her childhood, her family wasn'the the richest but Michelle was still able to face her challenges and end them with success. Besides all this, Michelle still had a temper. When something didn'the go her way, she let everyone know that it didn'the go her way. It was funny because when Michelle and her brother went to Princeton together he was embarrassed at how Michelle didn't think the teachers were teaching the right way. He complained about it to their mother, and she said to just pretend that he didn't know Michelle. Speaking of Princeton, she also went to Harvard. I learned that she got her two ivy leagues from those two schools. As you can see there is a lot more to Michelle Obama than you might think, read this book to learn many more interesting things about Michelle Obama.

[Kathleen Sanchez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that michelle obama is interesting but this book, the way it puts it is makes me seem not that much. The book was pretty good but thing is, is that the book stretches the detail out too much. learning about her childhood and her college life, and even her life with barrack and being first lady was interesting. But the book kinda stays stuck on that subject for a while. I like books that get staight to the point and so that i get fasinated by all the details. but in this book it doesn't to the point until after it done talking about all the other sidetracked details. so yes i would reccomend this book to readers who like biographies but also to readers who like the points to be stretched out.

[Haleigh Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Obama: An American Story by David Colbert is great biography to read because it tells of Michelle's childhood life ,people who influenced her,and some of her accomplishments.Such as how she has slave and slave owner blood.Reading her story was really interesting.And if you are looking for more information on Michelle this is the perfect book for you.Throughout the book it told more details about Michelle I would have never known.But with this book it let me find great facts as well as having fun.I loved the book and if you like Michelle you might like this book.

[Vanessaelias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Obama: an american story written by David Colbert is a good story because personally I believe that Michelle Obama is a great person and if you read these book you will love her even more. In this book it talks a bout how she feels about democrats and how life was when she was younger. I believe that you will like the book if you like reading about important people. In this book you will learn about her father, and how her relationship with her brother is. Also about her life was and her mother and it of course talks about Barack Obama.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, interesting narrative of Michelle obm's life, thankfully concentrating on her and bring in her husband only where the intersection was most relevant. Gently covers the harder issues, like the racism she faced at Princeton,making it palatable to a child audience (late elementary, middle school, I would guess is the target).
On the whole an enjoyaable read, and learned a lot I didn't know.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this book a seven because as a kid it's not fun to read but it's very interesting. Recommend this book to people who will love Michelle Obama and who also love reading reading autobiographies and books about someone's life. This book was about Michelle Obama's life experiences the life challenges and how she got to being the first lady and being a great mom a great first lady and a great person to encourage kids to eat healthy exercise and do good in school.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. I really admire Michelle and we share a birthday. She is a typical Capricorn, very organized and responsible. Her father had multiple sclerosis as do I and I was curious how it affected Michelle. I seem to be star-struck by the Obamas. Maybe that will wear off over time, but hasn't happened yet.

[Marisol Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I can make a connection with Michelle Obama in one way. We both try way to extremly hard to get good grades. I rated this book a 5 because it had very significant details. I recommend this book to kids who want to learn about Michelle Obama. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vickie Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It only took me 5 hours to read this book. I couldn't put it down. I love biographies and I like the Obama family very much. Politics aside, I can see how genuine they are. They worked hard for what they have. They believe in family and parents teaching their children how to become good hard working citizens.

[Evelyn]

I actually read Michelle, An Unauthorized Biography. Can't remember the author. I learned a little about the first lady but not enough. The book was too generic and didn't have enough depth for me.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick look into our First Lady's life and ancestry gives middle-grade readers a solid understanding of a prominent American figure. While at times adopting a condescending tone that may be unappreciated by sixth graders, this light but engaging book will intrigue and inspire 10-12 year olds.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this biography because it didn't just list up the events of Michelle Obama's life, but pointed out the recurring themes of her life as well. The only bad thing is that it was published in 2009, so it only takes us up to the election.

[Oscar Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the story of Michelle Obama the First Lady. How she went from poverty to the Presidents wife. This book tells an inspiring story. I recommend this book to all of my classmates. I love this book.

[Angel Lopez]

It tell's her life from childhood to know, it tell's about her school, it say's when she meet Barack obama, what job's she did and when Barack obama won for president. i think you should read this because it tell's you everything she did to become first lady.

[Adrien]

I learned more about Michelle Obama, her family, and her family history dating back to great grandparents.

[Karen Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about our new First Lady from this YA book but it seemed to be hastily written and there were some gaps. Still enjoyable.

[Erin]

We only read the 1st part, but, she is a super interesting lady.

[Alanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was pretty interesting to find out that her childhood was not a happy fairy tale

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and clearly written for probably teenagers. Good overview of her life and personality

[Grandma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good bio overview of her history and the campaign.