Michelle Obama is a fiercely powerful and wonderful human being, who, in 2010, lived in a large white house on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC. Hear from kids with dreams, criticisms, and other thoughts on what they would like Michelle Obama to do and what they would like to say to her. Kids wonder: does she play any sports? Can they be friend with her daughters? Does she like to draw? How does she practice giving speeches?

— Simon Traub-Epstein, International Library of Young Authors

From the publisher: “I Live Real Close to Where You Used to Live is a collection of letters written by kids across America to Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia and Sasha (plus a few to their dog Bo). Each missive differs wildly in subject—from Easy Bake ovens and Pokémon, to immigration, school funding, foreclosures, and war. You'll find no shortage of advice, observations, requests, and questions (‘Wouldn’t it be awesome if pickles grew on trees’) from these young writers. Two years into the Obama presidency, they remain as engaged as ever with the events shaping the world around them. Their letters to the first lady and her family are both poignant and hilarious.”