The avalanche of books about Michelle Obama is just starting, and because they will become out-of-date rather quickly, this one smartly focuses on Obama's past. Many already familiar stories are told here: how she grew up in a one-bedroom apartment, made a name for herself as an achiever in school, and met Barack Obama when she was his mentor at a law firm. Other information may be new to some, including her participation in demonstrations aimed at recruiting more minority students at Harvard. This slim volume in the First Ladies series is completely laudatory, even to the point of ignoring controversies over some of her words on the campaign trail. Still, those looking for an attractive introduction to the new First Lady will find this appealing. Both the black-and-white and color photographs engage readers (the final one is of Obama holding the Bible while her husband takes the oath of office), while the fast facts at the conclusion (she's 5'11''!) add spark.

This book provides an introduction to the life of the First Lady. The bland text sounds condescending at times ("She gave many speeches she had written herself. She even delivered them without looking at any notes!"), and the dull, posed photographs of the Obama family on and off the campaign trail contribute nothing new. Timeline. Glos., ind.