National Politics & Government

Penguin Random House Announces Book Deal With The Obamas

by Maggie Penman

Some of the proceeds from the Obamas' two upcoming books will be donated to charity, both by the publisher and the authors.
Some of the proceeds from the Obamas' two upcoming books will be donated to charity, both by the publisher and the authors. Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

Penguin Random House announced late Tuesday that it will publish two books, one written by former President Barack Obama and one by former first lady Michelle Obama. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but reports on the bidding war estimated numbers in the tens of millions.

Penguin has published books by the Obamas previously, and the publisher's CEO said in a statement:

"We are absolutely thrilled to continue our publishing partnership with President and Mrs. Obama. With their words and their leadership, they changed the world, and every day, with the books we publish at Penguin Random House, we strive to do the same. Now, we are very much looking forward to working together with President and Mrs. Obama to make each of their books global publishing events of unprecedented scope and significance."

The publisher said it will donate one million books in the Obama family's name to First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides educational materials to children in need. According to a press release from Penguin Random House, the Obamas will also donate a "significant portion" of the books' proceeds to charities, including the Obama Foundation.

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