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Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
Barack Obama is the story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, winners of the Coretta Scott King Award.
Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together.
This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world.
Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together.
This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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March 1, 2021
A picture book biography on President Barack Obama written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier.
The book starts out with a boy named David watching television with his mother. He becomes excited when he sees a man on TV that is receiving cheers from the many people in the crowd. He wants to know what it is all about and who is this guy with the strange name. His mother sits down with him on the sofa to tell him about this man.
His name is Barack Obama, he was called Barry by everyone when he was young. Barry was the son of a white woman from Kansas and a black man from Kenya. Barry grew up partly in Hawaii. He was surrounded by a loving family including his mother, his grandfather (Gramps), and his grandmother (Toot). His father was not with the family there and his parents later divorced.
Barry missed his father, however, his mother, Gramps, and Toot told him many interesting stories about his father. When Barry was about ten years old his father came to Hawaii to visit him before returning to Kenya. David understood how Barry felt because his father did not live with him either and he missed him.
Later, Barry’s mother married a man named Lolo, and they lived in Indonesia. His mother taught him english grammar and about the Golden Rule. He saw poverty in Indonesia and wished there was something he could do to help. He always thought about how he could help change things. He did not know how but he knew one thing that his mother, father, grandfather, and grandmother all agreed on, that education is very important.
Barry went off to college and began using his real name Barack. After college he went to Chicago to help communities in need. He still wanted to work to help and make a difference.
Barack slowed down a little and visited Kenya and met many of his extended family and to visit his father’s grave. He was greatly inspired by this trip.
Later, he went to law school and came back to Chicago even smarter and stronger. Wanting to help more people he entered state and then national politics. He became a U.S. Senator from Chicago.
Later, still wanting to do more he ran for the office of President of the United States. He won. David now knows why everyone was cheering for him.
The book really highlighted the importance of a good education. Kids also see that everything does not have to be perfect in your family for you to thrive.
For children ages 5-8.
Black History Month Read
The book starts out with a boy named David watching television with his mother. He becomes excited when he sees a man on TV that is receiving cheers from the many people in the crowd. He wants to know what it is all about and who is this guy with the strange name. His mother sits down with him on the sofa to tell him about this man.
His name is Barack Obama, he was called Barry by everyone when he was young. Barry was the son of a white woman from Kansas and a black man from Kenya. Barry grew up partly in Hawaii. He was surrounded by a loving family including his mother, his grandfather (Gramps), and his grandmother (Toot). His father was not with the family there and his parents later divorced.
Barry missed his father, however, his mother, Gramps, and Toot told him many interesting stories about his father. When Barry was about ten years old his father came to Hawaii to visit him before returning to Kenya. David understood how Barry felt because his father did not live with him either and he missed him.
Later, Barry’s mother married a man named Lolo, and they lived in Indonesia. His mother taught him english grammar and about the Golden Rule. He saw poverty in Indonesia and wished there was something he could do to help. He always thought about how he could help change things. He did not know how but he knew one thing that his mother, father, grandfather, and grandmother all agreed on, that education is very important.
Barry went off to college and began using his real name Barack. After college he went to Chicago to help communities in need. He still wanted to work to help and make a difference.
Barack slowed down a little and visited Kenya and met many of his extended family and to visit his father’s grave. He was greatly inspired by this trip.
Later, he went to law school and came back to Chicago even smarter and stronger. Wanting to help more people he entered state and then national politics. He became a U.S. Senator from Chicago.
Later, still wanting to do more he ran for the office of President of the United States. He won. David now knows why everyone was cheering for him.
The book really highlighted the importance of a good education. Kids also see that everything does not have to be perfect in your family for you to thrive.
For children ages 5-8.
Black History Month Read
February 9, 2021
I didn’t realize until I read the author’s note at the end that this was written before Barack Obama was elected president. People believed in him back when he was a senator in Illinois! It beautifully tells the story of Barack’s (or Barry’s) childhood, starting as a kid in Hawaii and growing up to be a figure in politics.
Pairs well with Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice, also written by Nikki Grimes.
Pairs well with Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice, also written by Nikki Grimes.
January 4, 2019
Currently reading Michelle’s Becoming when I stumbled upon this gem!
August 23, 2013
There is a parallel story shared between a child of Hope was named David as he sees Barack Obama on the television set with his mom, whereas you also see the stream of life experiences with Barack Obama as a son of promise called "Barry" who knew as a child that he wanted to help those less privileged. Moreover, David asks questions to get a clearer understanding of Barry's journey to presidency and define the man he has become over time. He also identified that he didn't resemble either parent: African father nor White mother but clearly saw he was who God created him to be (courage within not let identity become his destiny). Overall Barry clearly knew that education was the key to accomplishing his divine destiny.
Therefore, as a Black boy, there can be some similarities in our life journeys with expectations higher than our circumstances. We can excel to the promise! The most touching part of the book was when he was in church on Sunday and how God spoke to him to "slow down..look around...now look to me...hope enough here to last a lifetime..make a difference." (This is how I felt when I worked on the Democratic Campaign, wasn't about being on the payroll or being on a certain party, but about the CAUSE to make a DIFFERENCE for the AMERICA that is failing...to see change, and yes we can!) This is the divine circle of life. We give, we live!
I would highly recommend this to older children such as pretweens (10-12 year olds) and early teens (13-14) who still like illustrations as reading. This has a positive, encouraging message to be who you were created to be; do not let words or lost of identity take you off your course in this lifetime!
Adrienna Turner, author of ten books
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More Reviews: www.dream4more.org
Therefore, as a Black boy, there can be some similarities in our life journeys with expectations higher than our circumstances. We can excel to the promise! The most touching part of the book was when he was in church on Sunday and how God spoke to him to "slow down..look around...now look to me...hope enough here to last a lifetime..make a difference." (This is how I felt when I worked on the Democratic Campaign, wasn't about being on the payroll or being on a certain party, but about the CAUSE to make a DIFFERENCE for the AMERICA that is failing...to see change, and yes we can!) This is the divine circle of life. We give, we live!
I would highly recommend this to older children such as pretweens (10-12 year olds) and early teens (13-14) who still like illustrations as reading. This has a positive, encouraging message to be who you were created to be; do not let words or lost of identity take you off your course in this lifetime!
Adrienna Turner, author of ten books
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Dream4More Reviews: www.dream4more.org
November 10, 2010
Growing up in a family of far right-winged republicans, I had my doubts when it came to reading Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope. However, I feel that throughout this book I realized how little I knew about our president prior to reading about him and his life. I thought this book was just okay, it was not the best nor the worst I have ever read. It was very informational, and I learned a lot of interesting facts about Obama. Because of this, I would reconmend any teacher have this in his/her classroom, either on a class book shelf or as part of a reading center. This way, students can learn more about the 44th president of the United States.
From the very beginning, Barack Obama was different from most of his friends. He was born in Hawaii to a white mother from Kansas and a black father from Kenya. His father left him and his mother when he was just 2 years old, but Barack always found love in his mother and grandparents. He later lived in Indonesia with his mother for a few years, but eventually returned to Hawaii to live with his grandparents. Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope tells how this inter-racial individual who never gave up hope that the world could be a better place, even as he himself struggled with his identity.
From the very beginning, Barack Obama was different from most of his friends. He was born in Hawaii to a white mother from Kansas and a black father from Kenya. His father left him and his mother when he was just 2 years old, but Barack always found love in his mother and grandparents. He later lived in Indonesia with his mother for a few years, but eventually returned to Hawaii to live with his grandparents. Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope tells how this inter-racial individual who never gave up hope that the world could be a better place, even as he himself struggled with his identity.
January 20, 2021
It's unfortunate that even a children's book draws out such highly reactionary responses. While this book admittedly favors certain ideologies, none of them are inherently political (e.g. inclusivity, humanitarianism, education). It's no more indoctrinating than the average juvenile biography about George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and in many cases probably less so.
The major events of Obama's life up to his election as president are carefully condensed into a digestible story. The thematic embellishments air on the side of fantasy, but with the clear purpose of inspiring the reader rather than mythologizing the subject. Nikki Grimes' poetic language beautifully conveys the complex ideas and emotions, and are well paired with Bryan Collier's colorful illustrations.
The major events of Obama's life up to his election as president are carefully condensed into a digestible story. The thematic embellishments air on the side of fantasy, but with the clear purpose of inspiring the reader rather than mythologizing the subject. Nikki Grimes' poetic language beautifully conveys the complex ideas and emotions, and are well paired with Bryan Collier's colorful illustrations.
April 8, 2023
This book was really good. I would recommend it to someone who wants to inspire a young child.
February 3, 2020
Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes is a biography about Barack Obama. This is a picture book that begins with Obama's childhood, and ends with his presidential inauguration. This was a WOW Book for me because I learned a lot about Obama, particularly through stories of his childhood and details about his life. Many times, important historical figures are known for their accomplishments and titles, but I think it is important for kids as well as adults to relate to change-makers by understanding where they came from. If kids feel they can relate to people like Barack Obama, then they might come to realize that they can be change-makers too.
The structure of this book is a child's mother telling the story of Obama's childhood. This also serves as an invitation to the reader to listen to the "story", creating an informal and personal connection between author and reader/listener. Students will enjoy this structure because it is a gentle way to transition from storybooks to biographies. Because the child in the book contributes interjections and questions throughout the story, the students can relate to that child and his feelings, pulling them even closer to the story.
My favorite aspect of this book is its informality and how it paints Obama as a young child, just like the students I would read this to. Obama is referred to as "Barry" which was his nickname when he was a child. This works to remove the intimidation of the well-known name "Barack Obama", and reduces him to the casual young boy he was before he became a history-making president.
Another relatable aspect of this book is that it discusses Barry's experience and feelings about his parents' divorce, and then his father's death. I like this because it proves to children that people who face struggles growing up can become the "heroes" we learn about in school.
While I would love to read this book with children of all ages, I think it could be best used in a 4th or 5th grade classroom because it has a lot of symbolism and heavy topics that teachers could discuss and dive into with older students. "Hope" is personified as a character in this book, which provides the opportunity for a discussion about the author's goal in using this literary device, as well as how "Hope" can be a character in all of our lives.
The book introduces politics by discussing Obama's experience with beggars that "broke his heart". This is a good opportunity to begin to introduce political issues in class, by having a discussion with students about what they would do to help the poor, and why the government may not be taking the actions necessary.
Grimes utilizes a motif of "bridges", as Obama often notices symbolic bridges that hold two things together. For example, he is the bridge between his divorced parents, and love is the "bridge" that held his family together. This is an opportunity to discuss imagery with students, and consider why the author used that word. An activity would be for students to decide on a goal for themselves, such as an A in math, or joining the school soccer team. Then, they would have to decide on a "bridge" to get them there, such as studying for 30 minutes each night, or practicing soccer after school. Students can depict these ideas through artwork.
The structure of this book is a child's mother telling the story of Obama's childhood. This also serves as an invitation to the reader to listen to the "story", creating an informal and personal connection between author and reader/listener. Students will enjoy this structure because it is a gentle way to transition from storybooks to biographies. Because the child in the book contributes interjections and questions throughout the story, the students can relate to that child and his feelings, pulling them even closer to the story.
My favorite aspect of this book is its informality and how it paints Obama as a young child, just like the students I would read this to. Obama is referred to as "Barry" which was his nickname when he was a child. This works to remove the intimidation of the well-known name "Barack Obama", and reduces him to the casual young boy he was before he became a history-making president.
Another relatable aspect of this book is that it discusses Barry's experience and feelings about his parents' divorce, and then his father's death. I like this because it proves to children that people who face struggles growing up can become the "heroes" we learn about in school.
While I would love to read this book with children of all ages, I think it could be best used in a 4th or 5th grade classroom because it has a lot of symbolism and heavy topics that teachers could discuss and dive into with older students. "Hope" is personified as a character in this book, which provides the opportunity for a discussion about the author's goal in using this literary device, as well as how "Hope" can be a character in all of our lives.
The book introduces politics by discussing Obama's experience with beggars that "broke his heart". This is a good opportunity to begin to introduce political issues in class, by having a discussion with students about what they would do to help the poor, and why the government may not be taking the actions necessary.
Grimes utilizes a motif of "bridges", as Obama often notices symbolic bridges that hold two things together. For example, he is the bridge between his divorced parents, and love is the "bridge" that held his family together. This is an opportunity to discuss imagery with students, and consider why the author used that word. An activity would be for students to decide on a goal for themselves, such as an A in math, or joining the school soccer team. Then, they would have to decide on a "bridge" to get them there, such as studying for 30 minutes each night, or practicing soccer after school. Students can depict these ideas through artwork.
April 23, 2018
BIOGRAPHY
I came across this book as we were collecting books for the lesson study and I found myself in awe. I feel like, as a society, we always talk about the successes of people, but rarely do we ever talk about how they became successful and why they did what they did. In Nikki Grimes book, "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope", she delves into Obama's childhood and where his desire to help others came from. I would argue, though, what made this short book so powerful was how she never shied away from discussing the effects the former President's parents' divorce had on him. She talked about how he rarely got to see his father, who lived an ocean away, before he passed away while simultaneously talking about where all of Obama's success started. This stark contrast of negative and positive life events mingling to create one of the most well known figures of our time was inspiring. I think reading this biography could help students understand that great people are just people just like them and that means that everyone can become anything they want to be.
As I was reading it, I kept imagining how teachers could use the book as a read aloud to help students of divorce feel like they have someone they can look to and know that they aren't alone in their unique struggles of living in a separated household. I think it would be really interesting for students to write a letter in response to Obama as if he were still a child. By writing the letter to Obama as a child their age, students are encouraged to recognize that he was just like them at one point. The letters could serve as a way of discussing how they feel on their own situations and how they relate to him.I also think teachers could use the book to introduce what it means for something to be a biography compared to an autobiographies. I remember this was always really difficult for me to understand because my teachers were always talking about the genres in isolation and never really tied them to a book. If students have this book in front of them, they can see that it is not written by Obama himself and can connect the difference.
Ultimately, this book made Obama relatable and easily accessible to students. It allows students to understand their own capacity for greatness because, just like Obama, they have overcome challenges and can use their passions for good. There is no use in comparing your life with anyone else's because if it was any different, it wouldn't be your life. I think that is such a wonderful lesson we could teach our students.
I came across this book as we were collecting books for the lesson study and I found myself in awe. I feel like, as a society, we always talk about the successes of people, but rarely do we ever talk about how they became successful and why they did what they did. In Nikki Grimes book, "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope", she delves into Obama's childhood and where his desire to help others came from. I would argue, though, what made this short book so powerful was how she never shied away from discussing the effects the former President's parents' divorce had on him. She talked about how he rarely got to see his father, who lived an ocean away, before he passed away while simultaneously talking about where all of Obama's success started. This stark contrast of negative and positive life events mingling to create one of the most well known figures of our time was inspiring. I think reading this biography could help students understand that great people are just people just like them and that means that everyone can become anything they want to be.
As I was reading it, I kept imagining how teachers could use the book as a read aloud to help students of divorce feel like they have someone they can look to and know that they aren't alone in their unique struggles of living in a separated household. I think it would be really interesting for students to write a letter in response to Obama as if he were still a child. By writing the letter to Obama as a child their age, students are encouraged to recognize that he was just like them at one point. The letters could serve as a way of discussing how they feel on their own situations and how they relate to him.I also think teachers could use the book to introduce what it means for something to be a biography compared to an autobiographies. I remember this was always really difficult for me to understand because my teachers were always talking about the genres in isolation and never really tied them to a book. If students have this book in front of them, they can see that it is not written by Obama himself and can connect the difference.
Ultimately, this book made Obama relatable and easily accessible to students. It allows students to understand their own capacity for greatness because, just like Obama, they have overcome challenges and can use their passions for good. There is no use in comparing your life with anyone else's because if it was any different, it wouldn't be your life. I think that is such a wonderful lesson we could teach our students.
November 19, 2012
Grade/Interest Level: Upper Elementary (3rd-5th)
Reading Level: Lexile, 630L AD
Genre: Picture Book, Biography
Main Characters:Barack Obama, David, David's Mother
Setting:David's House, Hawaii, Chicago, Indonesia, California, Kenya
POV: Third Person
Summary: The story of Barack Obama is shared between two characters in the book, David (a young boy) and his mother. As Barack Obama is on television, David is curious and asks his mother about him, who tells her son the life of Obama. Ever since Barack Obama was a young, hope lived inside him. As he was growing up and went to different places, hope helped him through it all. He experienced many places as he lived in Hawaii as a child to the streets of Chicago, from visiting Indonesia to see a whole new perspective of all kinds of people to the plains of Kenya of where is father's family were. From the start, he knew he wasn't like anyone else. Through his obstacles, he was able to listen to hope and follow his dreams. His dream was to bridge and bring people of all races, religions, and cultural backgrounds together in peace and freedom. He was a man who was trying to bring hope and promise to the next generation of Americans. The story ends with how Obama becomes President and the crowd cheers with "Yes, we can!"
Classroom Uses/Theme: This book is a great way to introduce the story of Barack Obama to upper elementary grades, especially as Election Day has passed and he was reelected as President once again. I did a lesson using this book to my 4th graders and I started off by asking what the students knew about Obama. The only thing they knew was that he was President, but after they read this book, they were able to find out more information about who he was. For this book, I would also emphasize what hope was and how it played it Obama's life. With that, I would see how students can connect that with their own lives as well.
Reading Level: Lexile, 630L AD
Genre: Picture Book, Biography
Main Characters:Barack Obama, David, David's Mother
Setting:David's House, Hawaii, Chicago, Indonesia, California, Kenya
POV: Third Person
Summary: The story of Barack Obama is shared between two characters in the book, David (a young boy) and his mother. As Barack Obama is on television, David is curious and asks his mother about him, who tells her son the life of Obama. Ever since Barack Obama was a young, hope lived inside him. As he was growing up and went to different places, hope helped him through it all. He experienced many places as he lived in Hawaii as a child to the streets of Chicago, from visiting Indonesia to see a whole new perspective of all kinds of people to the plains of Kenya of where is father's family were. From the start, he knew he wasn't like anyone else. Through his obstacles, he was able to listen to hope and follow his dreams. His dream was to bridge and bring people of all races, religions, and cultural backgrounds together in peace and freedom. He was a man who was trying to bring hope and promise to the next generation of Americans. The story ends with how Obama becomes President and the crowd cheers with "Yes, we can!"
Classroom Uses/Theme: This book is a great way to introduce the story of Barack Obama to upper elementary grades, especially as Election Day has passed and he was reelected as President once again. I did a lesson using this book to my 4th graders and I started off by asking what the students knew about Obama. The only thing they knew was that he was President, but after they read this book, they were able to find out more information about who he was. For this book, I would also emphasize what hope was and how it played it Obama's life. With that, I would see how students can connect that with their own lives as well.
April 27, 2012
The book Barack Obama: Son of promise, child of hope was written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier. This is a bibliography about Obama’s journey to becoming the president of the United Stated. The story is told by a mother to a son who is curious about whom Obama is. This is about Obama having hope in change. He went through different struggles with his race, his father nit being around, and not knows how he could make people lives better. Obama wanted to help the poor and the needed and make a better life for him and others. He started to realize to make any changes he needed to further his education and so he did. Obama soon went to harved Law school where he studies and soon becomes an attorney. After that he had many political jobs and then he became president. The plot of the story is based on facts and also follows a story line of events that lead to a major change.
The age range for this book is primary to intermediate ages. Intermediate readers will enjoy reading this on their own. The text is challenging yet achievable and the pictures give many details that will keep younger readers interested. This book is also relatable to these age groups, understanding being different, having hope in yourself.
The artistic elements of this book are great. The style of art is representational art, showing realist impression of Obama. The illustrations also are made up of definite lines that create shapes that show expression, scenes, and texture to make the characters clothing look realistic.
I would recommend this book to all readers and schools. This book gives great information on Barack Obama. The book also gives good lessons on having hope and keeps trying until you succeed.
I would give this book a five star rating.
The age range for this book is primary to intermediate ages. Intermediate readers will enjoy reading this on their own. The text is challenging yet achievable and the pictures give many details that will keep younger readers interested. This book is also relatable to these age groups, understanding being different, having hope in yourself.
The artistic elements of this book are great. The style of art is representational art, showing realist impression of Obama. The illustrations also are made up of definite lines that create shapes that show expression, scenes, and texture to make the characters clothing look realistic.
I would recommend this book to all readers and schools. This book gives great information on Barack Obama. The book also gives good lessons on having hope and keeps trying until you succeed.
I would give this book a five star rating.
October 9, 2008
To be all sorts of fair and balanced, I read this and Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope back to back and will review them together.
Both books seemed a little full of shit (can you say shit in a picture book review?), but the McCain book was better. The illustrations were lovely, and I think the intended picture book audience will understand the story better. The Obama book was sort of abstract and cheesey, and I think the illustrations would only appeal to older librarian ladies (you know, the ones that moderate mock Caldecotts and such). If the books were published without the "tell your parents to vote for me" propoganda and were just straight up biographies, I would have enjoyed them both a lot more.
Both books seemed a little full of shit (can you say shit in a picture book review?), but the McCain book was better. The illustrations were lovely, and I think the intended picture book audience will understand the story better. The Obama book was sort of abstract and cheesey, and I think the illustrations would only appeal to older librarian ladies (you know, the ones that moderate mock Caldecotts and such). If the books were published without the "tell your parents to vote for me" propoganda and were just straight up biographies, I would have enjoyed them both a lot more.
March 27, 2009
...egh. Another sub-par children's book about Obama that felt like political propaganda instead of a biography. It's a little better than Jonah Winter's "Barack," although not by much. I especially hate the personification of hope in this one, which I found to be an especially juvenile and condescending plot device.
I hope some authors start creating better books about the president for kids.
I hope some authors start creating better books about the president for kids.
December 17, 2008
This book is totally nuts - I mean, a kids' book about how great Barack Obama is? What is this - Soviet Russia? Worth a read just to get that satisfying 'jaw drop' feeling that has become almost a whisp of a memory in this modern day in age, when nothing phases any of us...
February 17, 2020
this was so good, super cute!! hope inspiring and overall full of such good tibits!! i love barack and his family so much, like they are so important to my history as a smol black being in this big wide world. everything about it is also just good !! please read this!!
March 19, 2017
This is a free verse biography of Barack Obama, from childhood up to the 2008 Presidential Election. It starts out with a little boy, David, asking his mom who the man on the TV is (Barack Obama). This is were the free verse story begins of Barack: his struggles with identity, all of the places he lived, the inequalities he saw all over the world, and the sorrow that the absence of his father brought him. Hope is also woven throughout the biography, personified so as to seem like an actual character giving young Barack (and David) enough hope and inspiration to make changes to the world.
On each page you are reminded that the mother is narrating this biography, because there is a little conversation between little David and his mom at the end of each page, separate from the free verse. This break from the poetry tells the brief story of how little David makes connections between himself and Barack, and ultimately how David sees the potential that maybe HE can become president one day.
The illustrations are a unique blend of watercolor and collage. The illustrator's note in the back of the book highlights the illustrators purpose behind this; the difference between these medias serves as a metaphor for "piecing different parts or issues together to make something new, whole or complete. This theme has been a constant thread running through Barack's life..."
Overall, this book makes the story of Barack's life very accessible to younger readers, so I would suggest it for anywhere from 1st graders all the way up to 5th graders. While the free verse reads more like prose, you can still highlight certain elements of poetry, such as personification and imagery.
On each page you are reminded that the mother is narrating this biography, because there is a little conversation between little David and his mom at the end of each page, separate from the free verse. This break from the poetry tells the brief story of how little David makes connections between himself and Barack, and ultimately how David sees the potential that maybe HE can become president one day.
The illustrations are a unique blend of watercolor and collage. The illustrator's note in the back of the book highlights the illustrators purpose behind this; the difference between these medias serves as a metaphor for "piecing different parts or issues together to make something new, whole or complete. This theme has been a constant thread running through Barack's life..."
Overall, this book makes the story of Barack's life very accessible to younger readers, so I would suggest it for anywhere from 1st graders all the way up to 5th graders. While the free verse reads more like prose, you can still highlight certain elements of poetry, such as personification and imagery.
March 9, 2010
Barack Obama, Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes is an introduction to a younger audience of our nation's 44th president. A biography is told in a story-like sequence, from a present-day mother to her child, who is very curious about this man that he sees on TV. "How come those people are shouting his name?" he asks. His mother then provides a rich experience for the reader, through words and art. The reader discovers the beginnings of our leader "Barry," his struggles with identity as a young boy in Hawaii, his tireless search and longing for his father, his dedication to receiving an education, and how his ability to hope and dream of a better world. The artistic medium, done by Bryan Collier, of watercolor and collage symbolizes Barack’s journey on piecing parts together in life and searching for unity and making his world complete. It is truly beautiful and creates so much depth in the visuals. The informational text features remain in the back of the book; the author’s note, diagrams of Barack’s foundations and travels, and important dates all piece together to make this “story” more characteristically informational. At times, the text is a bit confusing. Specifically, the wording, sequence, and key events in Barack’s life are difficult to follow, especially if the reader doesn’t bring any prior knowledge to the book. Despite the rereading I had to do, to fully comprehend the text, I enjoyed every morsel of exploring about our nation’s president and engaging with the illustrations.
November 15, 2008
This is a beautiful book. It's a biography of Barack Obama simplified for younger readers. The author, Nikki Grimes, based the writing on Obama's memoir, Dreams of My Father. It is interesting because the story of Obama's life is told through the voice of a young boy named David.... there's two storylines at once here, the main text being Obama's biography written in an almost poetic format, and then the side conversation between David and his mother that takes place in the margins. It is also beautifully illustrated. I bought it to add to my future classroom library. Political preferences aside, Obama is an important historical figure, and this is an excellent piece of children's nonfiction.
June 5, 2013
I'm sorry, but though this book is beautifully illustrated and will someday be an interesting piece of history, the storyline is make-believe, filled with invented sentiment and an obvious attempt to enshrine our 44th President in myth. It does not even remotely follow the autobiographies the man himself published, or the accurate, researched accounts on the other end of the spectrum. Its fictional dialogue weaves in future campaign slogans and promises, and attempts to create credibility/history where none existed. I bought it for my kids, but will preserve it as a gleaming example of the absurd lengths fans of this man will go to justify their obsession. Please read it.
October 26, 2008
I just read this book tonight with some friends who are 5-year-old twins. By the end I had tears in my eyes and was trying not to sound too choked up as I was reading. I will be adding this to my children's book selection
October 28, 2010
Biography: I thought this was good...but I think I would be wary of sharing books like this is my classroom. Only because I'm not sure that all of the facts were completely correct and I wouldn't want to be giving propaganda!
April 17, 2012
The layout of this is perfect for information for kids. The message of hope throughout the book is wonderful. The timeline in the back is invaluable - an excellent way to talk about presidents with our children.
November 29, 2012
Beautifully illustrated, and great biography of our 44th president. Told until before the election. Tells of his childhood, parentage, and influences. Continues the theme of hope, and is told as a story that a mother tells his son.
February 19, 2019
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope is a children's picture book written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier. It is a cursory biography about the forty-fourth President of the United States of America.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. It is also Presidents’ Day in the United States and therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Barack Hussein Obama II is an American attorney and politician who served as the forty-fourth president of the United States from 2009–2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African American to be elected to the presidency. He previously served as a U.S. senator from Illinois from 2005–2008.
Grimes' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It tells the life and times of Barack Obama from his childhood to his adulthood and his eventual ascendant to being the President of the United States of America. Collier's illustrations are wonderfully drawn and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a story told through a conversation between David and his mother. When David saw Barack Obama on television, he questioned who he was and his mother told him the story of Barack Obama. I was a tad confused at the beginning, because it starred a child named Barry and I didn't connect that Barry was Barack until later. Furthermore, the switching between biography and mother-son conversation could be rather muddled at times.
All in all, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope is a wonderful and informative biography of the forty-fourth President to the United States.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. It is also Presidents’ Day in the United States and therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Barack Hussein Obama II is an American attorney and politician who served as the forty-fourth president of the United States from 2009–2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African American to be elected to the presidency. He previously served as a U.S. senator from Illinois from 2005–2008.
Grimes' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. It tells the life and times of Barack Obama from his childhood to his adulthood and his eventual ascendant to being the President of the United States of America. Collier's illustrations are wonderfully drawn and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a story told through a conversation between David and his mother. When David saw Barack Obama on television, he questioned who he was and his mother told him the story of Barack Obama. I was a tad confused at the beginning, because it starred a child named Barry and I didn't connect that Barry was Barack until later. Furthermore, the switching between biography and mother-son conversation could be rather muddled at times.
All in all, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope is a wonderful and informative biography of the forty-fourth President to the United States.
November 24, 2018
Reading Level: 3.3
Book Summary: Barack Obama grew up being called "Barry." As a young boy he was always trying to find hope and what he could do to help others.
Bookshelf Genre: Biography
Characteristics that support the genre: This book is about Barack Obama's life before he became the Senator from Illinois and eventually President of the United States. Biographies detail people's lives and this provides details of Obama's life up until he was elected Senator.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
Presentation: I really like the illustrations within this book. They fit well with what the author is talking about. Also, you can tell that Barack Obama is the person they are talking about.
Classroom integration: This could be part of a unit on United States Presidents. I would try to find a complementary book for the rest of Obama's life this far. I might have students choose a President to do a research project on for social studies. This would be a way to integrate literature into social studies.
Book Summary: Barack Obama grew up being called "Barry." As a young boy he was always trying to find hope and what he could do to help others.
Bookshelf Genre: Biography
Characteristics that support the genre: This book is about Barack Obama's life before he became the Senator from Illinois and eventually President of the United States. Biographies detail people's lives and this provides details of Obama's life up until he was elected Senator.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
Presentation: I really like the illustrations within this book. They fit well with what the author is talking about. Also, you can tell that Barack Obama is the person they are talking about.
Classroom integration: This could be part of a unit on United States Presidents. I would try to find a complementary book for the rest of Obama's life this far. I might have students choose a President to do a research project on for social studies. This would be a way to integrate literature into social studies.
October 29, 2020
I love Nikki Grimes as a writer and it is just perfect that a woman of color write a book about our first African-American President. This book contains the life story of Barack Obama written from a third person point of view. The mother is telling Obama’s story to her son who is also a man of color. This kind of story is very inspiring. It tells us, the readers, that nothing in this world is impossible. Who would’ve thought after all these years, the American people witnessed something that would be on the history book for the rest if our lives
This book would be on my shelf for my students to read because I want them to pursue their passion and do something that would make them happy. I want my students to realize that there is no limit when you believe in yourself. The story of Barack Obama made me realize that if you believe in something, you can achieve it even if there are a lot of people doubting your abilities, you should be the one believing in yourself.
This book would be on my shelf for my students to read because I want them to pursue their passion and do something that would make them happy. I want my students to realize that there is no limit when you believe in yourself. The story of Barack Obama made me realize that if you believe in something, you can achieve it even if there are a lot of people doubting your abilities, you should be the one believing in yourself.
March 17, 2017
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope written and illustrated by Collier won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work and was New York Times bestselling book. I listened to this book on Hoopla. The reader was expressive and appropriately paced. The Hoopla version did not show the visuals from this text and the visuals would have enhanced the reading.
This picture book biography reviews Barack Obama’s extraordinary life in the form of fast free verse poems. It starts when Barack Obama was young and looks at the hope has lived inside him. Barack was hopeful on the beaches of Hawaii, in the streets of Chicago, in the jungles of Indonesia, and on the plains of Kenya. He knew when he was a boy he wasn't quite like anybody else. He devoted his life to bringing people together and inspiring change. Collier's watercolor and collage pictures convey a likeness to the way Obama pieced life’s challenges together.
This text would benefit student’s grades k-5. This diverse poetic biography would increase motivation to read and teach students the importance of following their passion in the way that Obama did. This text will provide ethnic and cultural diversity. It could be used to provide information in a president unit or for research.
This picture book biography reviews Barack Obama’s extraordinary life in the form of fast free verse poems. It starts when Barack Obama was young and looks at the hope has lived inside him. Barack was hopeful on the beaches of Hawaii, in the streets of Chicago, in the jungles of Indonesia, and on the plains of Kenya. He knew when he was a boy he wasn't quite like anybody else. He devoted his life to bringing people together and inspiring change. Collier's watercolor and collage pictures convey a likeness to the way Obama pieced life’s challenges together.
This text would benefit student’s grades k-5. This diverse poetic biography would increase motivation to read and teach students the importance of following their passion in the way that Obama did. This text will provide ethnic and cultural diversity. It could be used to provide information in a president unit or for research.
October 31, 2025
This is a children's picture book that tells the story of Barack Obama's life, emphasizing his journey from childhood to becoming the 44th U.S. President. The book uses lyrical text and illustrations to highlight themes of hope, courage, and diversity as he navigates his mixed heritage, moves between places like Hawaii and Kenya, and works to become a bridge between people. This book is framed as a conversation between a mother and son, which is a great way to teach students about how to write from different perspectives.
June 6, 2018
A biographical picture book displaying the life, success, and hope Barack Obama brought to this nation. It tracks his life with his mother in Hawaii to his successful career in Illinois government. It then talks about his words and how he rallied people together. This change and hope is what shifted our nation (if only momentarily) and gave it a sense of hope and pride with the election of the first black president.
June 20, 2019
This a a terrific book about Barak Obama. He lived with his mom and grandparents in Hawaii, while his dad lived in Kenya. When he traveled to Indonesia, he saw people living in poor conditions and wanted to do something to make their lives better. Hope was what he wanted to offer. And hope has been a theme for his life. Interestingly, the book ends just months before the presidential election. It is a good book.
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