In 'The Obamas In the White House,' the editors of Essence Magazine chronicle the storied lives of the first family inside and outside the historic dwelling.

"As President Barack Obama steps forward to confront economic turmoil at home and wares overseas, and the enormous task of reforming health care, Essence pauses to reflect on just what his first year as the 44th president of the United States has mean,'' Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief of the magazine said in a prepared statement. "In these pages, we document in stirring words and poignant images, the Obamas' incredible journal since January 20, 2009, inauguration day. We see the family at work and play; we examine their influence as they engage ordinary Americans at town hall meetings, school appearances, White House events, and official trips around the world.''

The 128-page hardcover is divided into four parts, including family, faith & service, leadership and speeches. The glossy book is filled with iconic images of President Obama, the first lady, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, including striking photos of the family romping on the White House lawn with Bo, the first dog; the first grandmother waving with the family from the White House balcony before the 2009 Easter Egg Roll; and the family taking a guided tour of Cape Coast Castle, a former slavery outpost.

Excerpts from speeches include the president's address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 24, 2009 and his widely covered address, "No One Has Written Your Destiny For You,'' delivered at the 100th anniversary NAACP Convention on July 16, 2009.

"Because civil rights laws were passed, black mayors, black governors and members of Congress served in places where they might once have been able [sic] not just to vote but even take a sip of water,'' he said during the July 16th speech. "And because ordinary people did such extraordinary things, because they made the civil rights movement their own, even though there may not be a plaque or their names might not be in the history books-because of their efforts I made a little trip to Springfield, Illinois, a couple years ago-where Lincoln once lived, and race riots once raged-and began the journey that has led me to be here tonight as the 44th president of the United States of America.''