BOOK: The Obamas in the White House. A Great Holiday Gift Idea...

The Obamas are a quintessential American success story. Barack Obama and his wife Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama defied great odds to become the nation's first African-American president and First Lady. From the moment they settled into the White House on January 20, 2009, with their daughters Malia and Sasha, the first couple has moved the nation and world with their commitment to excellence and to each other.

ESSENCE has provided readers with detailed coverage of their first extraordinary year in the White House. The President, the First Lady and members of the Obama administration met our nation's political, economic and social challenges with admirable grace that continues to inspire many Americans.

This book combines rare images with pivotal speeches in a lavish time capsule of a defining moment in the American narrative. Click below to order your copy today!

The Obamas in the White House: Reflections on Family, Faith and Leadership

Obamas Celebrate Christmas at the National Building Museum...

The president, first lady, Sasha, Malia and First Granny stepped out for another holiday soiree on Sunday night, the annual Christmas in Washington presentation at the National Building Museum. A very pregnant Mariah Carey performed, along with Andrea Bocelli and Annie Lennox.

President Barack Obama watches a performance with first lady Michelle Obama (wearing vintage Norman Norell) and their daughters Malia and Sasha during the Christmas in Washington Celebration at the National Building Museum in Washington December 12, 2010.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama posed for a group photo with children dressed as Christmas elves at a Christmas In Washington celebration December 12, 2010 at the Building Museum in Washington, DC. Obama's daughters Malia and Sasha are at and Michelle Obama's mother Marian Robinson is at.

TNT will air "Christmas in Washington" at 8pm EST on Sunday, December 20.
[photos via Reuters and Getty Images]

2010: Obamas Light the White House Christmas Tree...

President Barack Obama, joined by his family including First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, reacted as they push a button to light the National Christmas Tree during a ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, DC, December 9, 2010.

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha looked up during the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse in Washington December 9, 2010.

First lady Michelle O. wearing a Narciso Rodriguez coat.[photos via Getty Images and Reuters]

The Obamas White House Christmas Tree Arrives...

First Lady Michelle Obama with daughters Malia and Sasha walked together to check out the White House Christmas tree after it was delivered by horse drawn carriage on November 26, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC.

[photos via Getty Images and AP Photo]

Obama's Attend Sunday Morning Service...

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (wearing a floral Thakoon dress) with daughters Sasha and Malia walked across Pennsylvania Ave, from the White House to attending Sunday service at St John's Episcopal Church September 19, 2010 in Washington, DC.
[photos via Getty Images]

The First Family Visit New Orleans on Katrina's 5th Anniversary...

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited Columbia Parc Housing complex in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 29, 2010. Obama arrived in still-struggling New Orleans to join residents marking five years since flood waters driven by Hurricane Katrina inundated the famous jazz capital.



President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were greeted by Maude smith to her house as they visit Columbia Parc Housing complex in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 29, 2010.



President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha order lunched at Parkway Bakery and and Tavern in New Orleans on August 29, 2010. The Obamas were in New Orleans to attend a ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of hurricane Katrina.
[photos via Getty Images]

First Family Eat Lunch at Nancy's in Martha's Vineyard...

First lady Michelle Obama smiled at the people gathered outside Nancy's Restaurant as President Barack Obama ordered at the window in Oak Bluffs, Mass. The first family is still vacationing on Martha's Vineyard, Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010. Click HERE to see more pics.
[photo via AP Photo]

Obama's Leave For Their Vacation on the Gulf Coast of Florida...

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle O. along with their daughter Sasha made their way to board Air Force One on August 14, 2010 at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.



Obama is traveling to Florida's Gulf Coast this weekend for a family trip intended to show solidarity with a region struggling in the wake of a massive oil spill.
See more looks that first lady Michelle O. packed for their trip to the Gulf Coast HERE.



President Barack Obama, followed by daughter Sasha and first lady Michelle Obama, board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. , Saturday, August 14, 2010, for a weekend in Panama City, Fla. The first family, absent Malia who is at summer camp, plans to spend time enjoying the area's recreational activities. But the president has also scheduled a meeting with small-business owners as the government's focus moves from plugging the oil leak to rebuilding the region's economy.
[photos via Getty Images and AP Photo]

The Obama's Summer Vacation 2010 *UPDATED*

President Barack Obama put his arm around his daughter Malia while first lady Michelle Obama escorts Sasha to Marine One as the first family departs from the White House in Washington for their trip to Maine, July 16, 2010.



First Lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha made their way to board Marine One on July 16, 2010 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. US President Barack Obama and his family are heading to Bar Harbor, Maine to spend the weekend.



First lady Michelle Obama hugged Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, as he and President Barack Obama are greeted by Maine Gov. John Baldacci at Hancock County Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton, Maine, Friday, July 16, 2010.



President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, visit Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, Friday, July 16, 2010.



President Barack Obama waved as he with First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha as they took a boat tour in Frenchman Bay during the first family's weekend vacation in Bar Harbor, Maine, on July 16, 2010.
[photos via Reuters, Getty Images and AP Photo]

See pics from day 2 of the Obama's summer vacation HERE.

See pics of the Obama's returning back to the White House HERE.

It's a Family Affair For the Obama's in Their Hometown of Chicago...

President Barack Obama, took a walk in the neighborhood of his Chicago home with family members on Saturday, May 29, 2010. With the President are his brother-in-law Craig Robinson with his wife Kelly Robinson, and daughter Leslie Robinson, first lady Michelle Obama, and her mother Mirian Robinson, and the president's daughter Malia and Sasha (not shown above). The First Family left their residence in the Hyde Park neighborhood shortly after 4 p.m. They headed to dinner a few blocks away at the house of Chicago businessman Marty Nesbitt.



Malia walks Bo.


It's Bo's first trip to Chicago!
[photos via AP Photo and HuffPo]

The Obama's Head Home to Chicago for Memorial Day 2010.

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle and their daughter Sasha make their way to board Marine One May 27, 2010 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. Obama and his family were heading to Chicago to spend the Memorial Day weekend.



President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha and mother-in-law Marian Robinson walk across the South Lawn of the White House in Washington as they travel to Chicago for the Memorial Day Weekend.



President Barack Obama, waits for his youngest daughter Sasha to catch up as he walks with Malia to Marine One.

[photos via Getty Images and AP Photo]

2010 Easter Egg Roll at the White House [LIVE VIDEO]

The Obama's White House Annual Easter Egg Roll was held on Monday April 5th with lots of fun for the whole family. Entertainment included performances by Sara Bareilles, Yo Gabba Gabba, the cast of "Glee," Justin Beiber, Sesame Street, Billy Jonas, and stories read by Reese Witherspoon, Betty DeGeneres (Ellen's mom), Mariska Hargitay, Marian 'First Granny' Robinson, JK Rowling, Dylan Sprouse, Cole Sprouse, and Apolo Ohno.

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

A Slideshow of the Obama's First Year [PHOTO LINK]

Click the pic above to view a slideshow of President Obama's first year as POTUS and the Obama's first year as First Family.

The Obama's Day of Service on Martin Luther King's Birthday...

First lady Michelle Obama honored the Martin Luther King legacy by serving meals to the needy at a facility January 18, 2010 in Washington, DC. US President Barack Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia were also helping at the facility.



President Barack Obama and his daughter Malia honored the Martin Luther King legacy by serving meals to the needy at a facility January 18, 2010 in Washington, DC. Michelle Obama, her mother Marian Robinson and daughter Sasha (unseen) were also with them.
[photos via Getty Images]

The Obama's Visit the Honolulu Zoo then Return back to Washington...

President Barack Obama walked with first lady Michelle Obama and their two children, Sasha and Malia, as they look at the Black and White Ruffed Lemurs at the Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii January 3, 2010.



President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave goodbye as they enter Air Force One at Hickam Air Force base in Honolulu, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.



President Barack Obama holds hands with daughters Malia (L) and Sasha as first lady Michelle Obama walks behind upon their return to the White House in Washington January 4, 2010, following their vacation in Hawaii.
[photos via Reuters and AP Photo]

The Obama's Arrive in Hawaii for Christmas 2009...

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Sasha and Malia arrived at Hickam Air Force base for their holiday vacation in Honolulu, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009.


[photos via AP Photo and Reuters]

The Obama's Depart the White House to Spend Christmas in Hawaii...

President Barack Obama waved as he walked with first lady Michelle O. (in her black Sonia Rykiel overcoat) and their daughters Sasha and Malia on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington before their departure December 24, 2009. Obama is going to spend Christmas and New Year holidays in Hawaii with his family.