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Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

(2008, Fiction - Picture Book, Written by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Bryan Collier)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Inspirational message perfect for inaugural celebration.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Love and support help Barack Obama deal with an absent father. Also highlights the importance of education in his life.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

Parents need to know that Nikki Grimes has based her inspirational book on Barack Obama's own memoir, simplifying its content and message for young readers. Both the author and the illustrator have previously won the Corretta Scott King award.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the new president's life. They can join the mother and son who, as part of the narrative, talk about the events in Barack Obama's life that gave him the hope and strength to run for, and become, president of the United States. Who is Barack Obama, and where did he come from? Who were his parents and grandparents? Why did he live in Kansas, Hawaii, and Indonesia when his father was from Kenya? How did being apart from his father make him feel? Though he was sad, he was still hopeful. What helped him feel that way? When he saw all the poor people in the world, he wanted to help them. How is he doing that? How did going to school help him? What gave him courage, and hope? How do you think he feels now that he is becoming president? How do you feel about it?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    very good

    good book

  2. I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 5.0

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Another Good Obama Title

    I would also recommend "Change Has Come" by Kadir Nelson. Kadir Nelson's illustrations are always beautiful. In this one he used words from Obama's speeches as a starting point for his illustrations. It's a very simple book with sketches and a few phrases, but they feel very alive.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    A great education for kids

    This is a wonderful look at the new President. Parents are wise to share the story of Obama with their kids.

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