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Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope (by Nikki Grimes)

common sense media says

Inspirational message perfect for inaugural celebration.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Love and support help Barack Obama deal with an absent father. Also highlights the importance of education in his life.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
This is Barack Obama's story. Based on his memoir, this book presents important events of his life, especially his childhood, while tracing the threads of hope and courage as they weave throughout, bringing him to the moment when he decides to run for president. Obama is presented as a child of mixed heritage, from a divorced though very supportive family, who struggles with his own identity and is consumed with an almost overwhelming desire to help the poor people of the world. Throughout the story, a fictional mother and son read along, and they discuss each event and feeling. The boy asks innocent questions, the mother answers and explains, and in the end the little boy shows how much he's inspired by the story.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is more than a biography. It's a song of courage, hope, and inspiration. Language that is both poetic and elegant presents the story while also creating a very heartfelt, moving tone that goes beyond the ordinary. Though some may argue that this is the somewhat glorified substance of a myth-in-the-making, young readers especially will come away with a genuine understanding of what makes Barack Obama such a unique and capable person, and will probably also be inspired.

The technique of using a narrator (the mother talking to her son) and Bryan Collier's stirring illustrations add another level of truth to the upbeat message of change and promise.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Nikki Grimes
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: August 26, 2008
Number of pages: 48
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 5
Read Alone: 8
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4

Most useful reviews by all members

tsheldee
educator
2
 
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
Catharine44
parent of 12 and 13 year old
8
 
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.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (6)
Jill Murphy
parent of 2 year old
5
 
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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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (7)
puyeski
adult
2
 
very good
good book
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)

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