Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope


Author/Illustrator: Nikki Grimes/Bryan Collier


Plot Summary: An illustrated story of Barack Obama's life as told by a mother to her son. The content was taken from President Obama's book, "Dreams from My Father." The facts of his life are included as well as the things he learned about life from his extended family.

Comments: This book appropriately communicates to children the primary focus on Barack Obama's message to the world. I do think it's a bit hokey and/or patronizing.

Extensions:
1. After reading the book to second graders, brainstorm the traits of good citizenship possessed by Barack Obama.

2. After reading the book to second graders, they will write letter to President Obama expressing their thoughts about his life and visions for the country's future.

3. Using a world map, locate the various places Obama lived before moving to the mainland United States.

Themes/keywords: Obama, Barack; Legislators, African American Legislator, United States Congress, American Presidents, Racially mixed people

Age/Reading Level: Interest level - K-3; Reading level - ATOS - 3.3(Follett - 4. 8); Lexile - 630

Standards:
SS2CG2 The student will identify the roles of the following elected officials:
a. President (leader of our nation)
b. Governor (leader of our state)
c. Mayor (leader of a city)

SS2CG3 The student will give examples of how the historical figures under study demonstrate the positive citizenship traits of honesty, dependability, liberty, trustworthiness, honor, civility, good sportsmanship, patience, and compassion.

Publisher's Info: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York. 2008

ISBN-13: 978-1-41697-144-3
ISBN-10: 1-41697-144-0


Awards/Review Sources:

Wilson's Children 07/01/09

School Library Journal 11/01/08

Library Media Connection starred 03/01/09

Booklist 10/15/08

Horn Book 04/01/09

Kirkus Review 08/15/08

Multicultural Review 03/01/09

Catholic Library World 06/01/09






Genre/Dewey: Biography/Nonfiction; Dewey - 973.932

Websites:
White House website - http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president_obama/
Personal(political) website - http://www.barackobama.com/
The author's website - http://www.nikkigrimes.com/

Notes for Booktalk:

Vocabulary:

Comments

Unknown said…
One year and a few days after his election we are seeing a huge number of books about President Obama. Media specialists would be wise to pick and choose. Have the children write letters to the president? Should there be even one right-wing loony hiding in Decatur, you would hear about that