(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brittany Jackson. Preschooler Parker visits the National Portrait Gallery and is entranced by Amy Sherald's painting of First Lady Michelle Obama. The brief text (co-written by Parker and her mother) and cartoony but personality-rich illustrations capture the girl's exuberance while exploring the gallery and then her awe of the portrait. "'She is a queen,' Parker whispered." A joyous and empowering picture book, based on a viral 2018 photograph.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) 4-6 Former White House photographer Lucidon has compiled this eye-catching pictorial record of Michelle Obama's time there. Stunning photographs document both the first lady's ceremonial duties and the initiatives she championed, such as fitness, girls' education, and the arts. Enhanced by Lucidon's accessible commentary and relevant quotes from Mrs. Obama, this is an excellent photographic tribute to an influential first lady.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 4-6 Extraordinary Women series. Each of these books profiles a highly prominent woman, covering her current role and accomplishments, past achievements, education, and early years. Lots of photographs, captions, and text boxes help to break up the accessible text but contribute to a busy look. "Then and Now" boxes consider how each has contributed to changing views on women in public life. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Extraordinary Women titles: Michelle Obama and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Gourley's discussion of Michelle Obama's creation of a vegetable garden on the White House lawn is framed by a brief history of other gardens at the White House. Loose-handed watercolor illustrations depict a place that's full of life. A foreword by chef Alice Waters and a series of recipes are included. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Pearl Higgins

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Robert T. Barrett. Weatherford (Obama: Only in America) here chronicles the First Lady's childhood and pre–Barack accomplishments, pointedly downplaying her White House days: "What Michelle vows is that she is a mother first and a First Lady second." It's a point well taken, but the text can be a little overdramatic. Barrett's sepia-heavy oils are disarmingly intimate, almost like personal photographs.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Gateway Biography series. In this adulatory biography, readers learn about the First Lady's childhood, work ethic, courtship with the "guy with the funny name" (first date: a Spike Lee movie), and support of her husband's political career. A variety of photographs illustrate the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) 4-6 "Barack's rock" is given an evenhanded treatment in this accessible biography of the First Lady. The text highlights Michelle's close-knit, working-class family; her staunch work ethic; and her unwavering dedication to her husband and daughters. Readers will come away with an appreciation of the woman herself above and beyond her official role.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) 4-6 Following an account of Michelle Obama's great-great-grandfather, a slave, Colbert describes her childhood, Ivy League education, relationship with her husband, and support of his political career, always emphasizing her commitment to hard work. This is a readable and informative biography of the first African American First Lady. A color photo insert is included.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) K-3 Illustrated by AG Ford. This competent companion to Jonah Winter's picture book biography Barack shows how Michelle Robinson transcended her modest Chicago upbringing to become a professional success long before becoming the U.S.'s first African American First Lady. Kid-pleasing details, such as the subject's favorite childhood TV show (The Brady Bunch), abound. The photorealistic paintings include some awkwardly proportioned representations of Michelle and her family.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Political Profiles series. These profiles focus on their subjects' childhoods, backgrounds, and the forces that shaped them into today's leaders. Though largely laudatory, both books also touch on foibles and scandals (e.g., Chappaquiddick). Some of the information is already out of date. Obama gives little insight into Michelle's life before Barack. Photographs help break up the texts, which will be useful for basic information. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Political Profiles titles: Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot