Next Year in the White House: Barack Obama’s First Presidential Seder

K-Gr 5–This picture book offers a look at the first Seder dinner hosted by President Obama in the White House, an event with personal significance to members of his staff. While the subject matter is important, the book may have a limited appeal, particularly for young readers. The narrative attempts to draw a parallel between the Jewish experience of Passover and the history of slavery in America, but this thematic connection may be too complex for the intended audience. The text is more suited for older readers due to its mature themes, yet the story itself lacks the dimension and engagement needed to hold their interest. Illustrations presented in faded watercolors do little to captivate the attention. Visually, the lack of detail makes it difficult to engage with the cultural and religious elements central to a Seder dinner. For instance, readers are given no clear depiction of what traditionally belongs on a Seder table. The book does provide useful back matter, including explanations of the Seder, Passover, and a recipe for the apple cake served at the White House Seder. These additions could be of value for educators or older readers looking for historical context. This book may find a small, niche audience among those interested in the connections between Jewish history and Black Americans’ struggles for freedom, but it is unlikely to be a popular choice in most school libraries.