The Classic Book Michelle Obama Credits With Helping Her Learn To Love Reading

It's no secret that Michelle Obama loves a good book, and used her platform as the FLOTUS to encourage folks to read. In 2011, during Take Your Child to Work Day at the White House, Michelle spoke to a group of children, one of whom asked her what her favorite book was, per a video shared by The Obama White House. Michelle recalled reading "Song of Solomon," by Toni Morrison. The mom of two recalled being so riveted that she finished it in one day, stating, "That book helped me love reading because before then, reading was kind of like something you did when you had to do it. But that book, it like grabbed me and pulled me, and I just kept reading and kept reading."

After Morrison died in August 2019, Michelle revealed that she first read "Song of Solomon" when she was a senior in high school and recovering from a minor surgery, per The Washington Post. "In the years since that slow, scorching summer on the couch, I've read 'Song of Solomon' twice more, cover to cover — once as a young professional and once more as a young mother," she wrote. Michelle added, "Each reading has revealed new lessons that accompany my own changing perspective as I've grown and evolved."

Even after leaving the White House, Michelle continued to spread her love of reading and gave children a fun treat in 2020 while folks were stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While families hunkered down in their homes in 2020, Michelle Obama came up with the idea to host weekly online read-alouds for kids called "Mondays with Michelle Obama," hosted by PBS. "At this time when so many families are under so much stress, I'm excited to give kids a chance to practice their reading and hear some wonderful stories (and to give parents and caretakers a much-needed break)," the former first lady stated. 

After the four-part series, Michelle continued to read children's books aloud virtually, and in June 2020, she was joined by Barack Obama. Although Michelle deals with a relatable relationship battle with Barack over reality television, they bond over a different medium, and both enjoy entertaining kids with storytime. In a Facebook video shared by PBS Hawai'i, the two read "Giraffe Problems" by Jory John and "The Bear Ate Your Sandwich" by Julia Sarcone-Roach. When they finished the second book, Barack asked his wife, "What do you think happened to the sandwich, really?" She playfully whispered, "I think the dog ate the sandwich."