Reach Higher

October 1, 2018
Lucidon's adaptation of her adult book Chasing Light (2017) for the kindergarten-to-second-grade set aims for the photographic splendor of Pete Souza's Dream Big Dreams (2017), which celebrates what made the Obama administration both historic and extraordinary.The author gives context for the first lady's roles as well as the role of a White House photographer and the White House itself, including descriptions of the storied hued rooms. Within that framework, Lucidon shows Michelle Obama performing her duties inside and outside what she called "the People's House." However, it's arguable that enough books exist detailing the duties and the building. What readers likely want from this book is to understand what exactly made Obama's tenure as incredible as her husband's. For example, the author calls Obama "Visitor-in-Chief," but she most famously called herself "Mom-in-Chief" and validated many black mothers in a national discourse that constantly denigrates them. Considering this, it's regrettable that the book includes relatively few photos of Obama with her family. Other missed opportunities abound, as when Lucidon fails to explain why black girls dancing under Lincoln's portrait is significant in light of Obama's first ladyship even as she acknowledges it is "a special moment in history."With Souza's book, this could have bookended the Obama years. But it's more of a bookend and a paperweight. (Nonfiction. 4-7)

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November 15, 2018
Grades 4-7 Although the role of the First Lady is not defined by the Constitution, it has become a revered position over time. In this photo-essay, adapted from the New York Times best-seller Chasing Light (2017), former official White House photographer Lucidon introduces the responsibilities of the First Lady and, more specifically, how Michelle Obama impacted this role. After briefly touching upon her own position as a White House photographer, Lucidon turns to the living, breathing museum that is the White House, where she captures Michelle Obama in historic rooms and at various events, from state dinners to holidays to celebrations of special contributions to the country. As in any good photo-essay, the text is enlightening, but the true story is told through the intimate, charismatic photographs of Michelle Obama, which reveal her human side as she launched her health, education, and girl-empowerment initiatives; worked in the White House garden; supported the arts; and traveled the world to promote community building. Middle-grade readers will be inspired by both the former First Lady and the author's achievements.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)