I Live Real Close to Where You Used to Live is a collection of letters written by children 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. There is 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.

Proceeds from this book benefit 826 National, a family of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping students, ages six to 18, with expository and creative writing at seven locations across the country.