I Look Up To... Michelle Obama

January 1, 2019
An earnest board-book introduction to a strong female role model for young feminists. Actually, this book is more for caregivers eager to raise a feminist than it is for children. Membrino addresses her readers familiarly, equally casually referring to her subject as simply "Michelle" following the first-page introduction. She focuses on the former first lady's key messages: working hard, being healthy, having fun, getting an education. In the patterned presentation, a sentence from Membrino about how Obama lives her values is followed by a quote. Burke's vivid, playful illustrations use bold colors against patterned backgrounds. Obama is almost always dressed in bright pink. The illustrations get her stance and posture right; her eyes are exaggerated, looking directly at the reader. Her famous arms are proudly flexed on the page about "BEING HEALTHY." The type uses contrasting colors and all-caps for emphasis. A companion book, I Look Up to...Ruth Bader Ginsburg, follows the same format. Again, Burke nails Ginsburg's posture; her eyes look exactly like Obama's, but she gazes from square-framed glasses. Ginsburg also wears her iconic decorative collar in every illustration, even when she is shown exercising. Will be welcomed by caregivers looking for heroines to inspire young children. (Board book. 2-4)

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