First Family [Hardcover]

Deborah Hopkinson (Author), AG Ford (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 22, 2009 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up

At work, at play, at home, in the White House.

The White House is a museum, the office of the chief executive, a gathering place for leaders and visitors from around the globe, and it is also a home for one special family—the First Family.

This book follows a day in the life of the Obama family: President Barack, First Lady Michelle, First Daughters Malia and Sasha, and even First Pup Bo. From moving in on inauguration day to making important decisions, hosting state dinners, planting a garden, exploring the historic house, and leading around the Secret Service, the First Family is very busy.

Deborah Hopkinson and AG Ford take young readers through an extraordinary ordinary day in the life of America's much-beloved First Family.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 5—Life in the White House captures the interest and hearts of America, and this book brings the Obama family into focus with fun details and realistic artwork. Starting with Inauguration Day, activities such as doing chores, eating dinner, and exercising show the Obamas' everyday routine. The artwork is expressive and nuanced in capturing the personalities in the family. The book ends with a statement that nicely summarizes their priorities. "For the Obamas, it's clear that just being together every day with the ones they love is the best part of all." Neat facts such as growing a garden on the South Lawn and playing with Bo the Portuguese water dog make this first family unique. Malia and Sasha are the main feature of the book, and they are shown getting to know the White House better by going on a scavenger hunt, going to school with their grandmother and secret service, and playing hide-and-seek in the hidden door and staircase. Facts about the White House and former presidents are incorporated seamlessly into the text.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Deborah Hopkinson is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including Michelle, also illustrated by AG Ford; Stagecoach Sal, illustrated by Carson Ellis; Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, illustrated by John Hendrix; Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, illustrated by James Ransome and winner of the IRA Award; and i>Apples to Oregon, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter and winner of the Golden Kite Award. She lives near Portland, Oregon.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (December 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061896802
• ISBN-13: 978-0061896804
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #835,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Deborah Hopkinson is the award-winning of picture books, fiction, and nonfiction for young readers. She has won the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text twice, for A Band of Angels and Apples to Oregon. Her book, Sky Boys, How They Built the Empire State Building, was a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor awardee. Her recent works include Michelle, First Family, Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, an ALA Notable, Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole, which won a 2009 Oregon Book Award, and Stagecoach Sal, named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2009. She serves as Vice President for Advancement at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Family and History, January 25, 2010

By 

D. Merrimon Crawford (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Family (Hardcover)

FIRST FAMILY introduces young readers to the American president's family at home, at work and at play in the White House. Presented mostly through the eyes of daughters Malia and Sasha, FIRST FAMILY describes the similarities in the everyday life of the First Family and other American families. FIRST FAMILY also shows how Malia and Sasha's life differs from other children, helping young readers to imagine how their lives might change were they to be children of the American president.

Deborah Hopkinson's FIRST FAMILY focuses on themes of family, the White House and the continuity of American history. For the first time in many years, young children are residents of the White House and what better way to introduce children to the notion of the Presidency, the White House and American history than through the eyes of the children who live there! With words and images, Deborah Hopkinson and Ag Ford emphasize the role of family. Despite their new home, Malia and Sasha are children with lives grounded in the family. Values of healthy eating, exercise, doing homework and cleaning one's room emerge from the picture painted of the First Family's life together but not to the exclusion of playful fun and family togetherness. FIRST FAMILY presents a wholesome, positive role model of the family for children readers.

The beauty and uniqueness of FIRST FAMILY as a young children's book centers around the portrayal of the White House, a living museum which houses items that connect each generation of Americans. With images and words, American history comes alive. The description and illustration of the Resolute Desk, a desk also used by Presidents Kennedy, Clinton and Bush gives young readers (and adults reading aloud to children) a moving look at the importance of the history of this country. Not only is America a country with a rich historical legacy but also a nation with a sense of continuity between past and present. Illustrations of the White House portray the grandeur of the building itself and the impressive furniture inside. Two pages of White House and First Family Trivia, facts and fun conclude this inspiring book thus once again connecting past and present. FIRST FAMILY does an excellent job at humanizing the family while also honoring the rich legacy of American history.

COURTESY OF BOOK ILLUMINATIONS

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First Family review - Denaro Taylor, December 31, 2009

By 

Denaro Taylor (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Family (Hardcover)

If you enjoyed the artwork from the New York times best seller "Barack"(illustrated by Ag Ford) then I have no doubt that you will enjoy "First Family" which was also illustrated by Ford. It's a good read for children and educational as well. I have seen some of Ag's work up close and just from viewing the artwork I can tell that the illustrations in this book where created with great effort that show his passion for his craft. The story (written by Deborah Hopkinson) gives the reader an aspect on the entire family of Barack, which most can appreciate. I highly recommend it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction for Young Children, July 22, 2010

By 

J. A. Snow - See all my reviews

This review is from: First Family (Hardcover)

First Family is a good book to introduce young children to life in the White House because it features Malia and Sasha Obama. The book utilizes clear illustrations and interesting content to inform the reader about the First Family. The cover depicts the Obamas, their dog Bo and invites readers to learn more about them.

Most of the book is set in or on the grounds of the White House. There is a cut away view of the house showing many of its famous rooms. The book reveals places that Malia and Sasha like to explore. The Green Room, the Blue Room, the State Dining Room, the Queen's bedroom, secret passageways, the bowling alley and movie theater. Outside, the girls play on their swing set, run with Bo and greet the President when his helicopter lands on the lawn.

The illustrations are realistic drawings that support the text and transport the reader into White House life. Malia and Sasha set their alarm clocks, make their beds and complete other chores. On weekdays, they go to school with their grandmother and secret service agents. The President works in the Oval Office, travels on Air Force One, eats with his family, helps with homework and exercises with Michele in the gym. The First Lady works in her office, devotes time to community service events, hosts dinners and cares for the kitchen garden.

First Family provides enough detail to learn about the First Family and the White House. There are pages listing White House facts, First Family trivia, an aerial view of the grounds and the White House web address. The book introduces young readers to the presidency and the White House. It will appeal to children because Malia and Sasha are prominently featured throughout the book.