Change Has Come: An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit

by Kadir Nelson

The black and white images throughout are personal reflections, uniquely felt and rendered by award winning artist Kadir Nelson. They are accompanied by the uplifting words of Barack Obama and commemorate the movement and the moment that have changed our history. It's a celebration of the power of inspiration. It's a celebration of how far we have come and how determined we are to look ahead. It's a celebration of pride, hope and joy personally felt and publically shared. Most of all it's a celebration of the 44th president - a new president and a new chapter in the American story.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Childrens, African American, Historical

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 13, 2009

About the author

Kadir Nelson is a Los Angeles–based painter, illustrator, and author who is best known for his paintings often featured on the covers of The New Yorker magazine, and album covers for Michael Jackson and Drake. His work is focused on African-American culture and history.

Reviews

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I preorded this book from Amazon in December right after I read in PW about ti crashing. I was really interested to see how Kadir's art translated as sketches instead of paintings. It showed up on my door step less than 2 weeks later and almost a month before it's official publication date. I can't tell if this was a mistake by Amazon, but it also seemed almost impossible considering how long it takes a printers to print a bind a book. Oh well, it's beautiful! I love the design, and the size of the book, I think it is very well done, although if they had more time I suspect SS would have done a 3 piece binding to make it extra special. There are only a few pages where you can really tell how quickly this book was put into print because the gutter interferes a little with the artwork. Otherwise it is elegant, and Kadir's sketches are charming and powerful. I almost prefer these sketches to the painting I can imagine would have come out of them. There is a raw humanity in this book, that I really appreciate.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, oh, oh. I want to get my hands on everything Kadir Nelson has ever illustrated now. I love the energy of the drawings.

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celebrated children's illutrator and author Kadir Nelson takes some of President Obama's most powerful speeches and weaves together a story of change. All of the words are Obama's and Nelson's free-flowing pencil drawings create an inclusive and beautiful historical document of the 2008 election.

Nelson writes in the back that "These very spontaneous drawing serve as a document to preserve and celebrate our great American achievement, and our new American president. I hope the artwork will remind all who see it of the greatness of our country and its ability to grow and change for the better."

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kadir Nelson is one of my favorite illustrators, and as an Obama supporter, I gave this book for Christmas gifts. Of course, given the rush publishing job (Nelson did the drawings to Obama's words after the election), the books arrived AFTER Christmas. Those who want to celebrate this historic time will appreciate this book.

[elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't heard a thing about this, had only seen Kadir Nelson's drawing of Obama on his Facebook Profile. What a gorgeous little book! I love that it was spontaneously done on election night, and that they were able to rush it in to print so quickly, pretty much by the time of the inauguration. Just beautiful, unique, and very moving. My first 2009Favorite!

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying Kadir Nelson's work. This is different from his paintings for Coretta Scott. But the sketches work well matched with the words of Barak Obama. A quick read that can easily be used in a classroom.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lasting reminder kept in a little book...nice

[Kristen LeBlanc · Rating 3 out of 5]

To commemorate the presidential election of Barack Obama, Kadir Nelson created this book in ten days. Unlike Nelson's other well-known illustrations, "Change Has Come" showcases a different style, and medium, that Nelson works with well: pencil. Each page showcases a pencil sketch of visuals from Barack Obama's inauguration, election, and even family and is accompanied by quotes directly from Barack Obama. The stroke marks vary in Nelson's sketches and some are more detailed than others, but, the reader feels the intensity leap from the page.

Seeing that Kadir Nelson used a different medium from previous books I have read, and reviewed, I did search for videos of him describing the process for developing this book in such a short period of time. Nelson revealed that his usual process for illustrating picture books takes months, so having the time crunch, he had to decide on a different route to give this book meaning with a medium that still does Barack Obama justice. He does well with his cross-hatched, and delicate linework in pencil, creating emotions with each page. To further feel the intensity meant from the design of "Change Has Come," I found versions of the book recorded with Barack Obama actually reciting the quotes from the book. The power behind the visuals are felt even more when you hear Obama speak. Another well done set of illustrations by Kadir Nelson that portrays visually the deeper meaning behind an important historical figure's words.

[Miles Huh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt a little like reading Fukuyama's The End of History. Strange to think at the time Obama was elected it felt like the United States was reaching a turning point. The quotes taken from his speeches that were illustrated feel foreign and almost divisive despite being regular things. "There is no black america, and white america, and latino america, and asian america. There is the United States of America." In a time that feels slightly hopeless, it's nice to remember a time when there was.

[Sheila Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Artist's drawings in this book reflect on the quote "a picture is worth a thousand words." The book contains pictures with quotes and a limited amount of words, but each drawing tells a story. The books reflects on the struggle for equality for all people from diverse backgrounds. The words "This is our moment, This is our time"- in the book reminds me of how the struggle continues to unite a nation and move us toward a time when their will be justice for all.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I revisited this book when I found it in the office I was packing. It remains astoundingly powerful even 14 years later. Kadir Nelson is a master artist that brings such strength and power to words, songs, and in his stories that I cannot think of anything but that story and I have always returned to his work over and over again.

Thankful to have found this book and reread it as it filled my heart and soul with gratitude and hope.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book in which artist Kadir Nelson illustrates choice words of inspiration by President Barack Obama. Even reading it in November of 2017, his words still move me. And these gorgeous simple drawings help express Obama's powerful ideas.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishful thinking. Hopeful thinking. A brief moment that will hopefully have positive echoes again at some point. Strong words. Strong words in a voice I can hear in my head. Powerful art. Inclusion. With a short afterword that helps to capture the moment further.

[Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. The illustrations come alive! Such a beautiful message about the “audacity of hope”

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this small book, Change Has Come: An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit, I’m filled with a renewed feeling of hope as I’m reminded of the wonder and inspiration that was embodied in President Barack Obama. The combined artistry of my favorite illustrator, Kadir Nelson, with words from the greatest living president, make this book a treasured keepsake and also an important resource, much like a well when a cool sip of water is what’s needed to quench a thirst.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved having Barack Obama as my president. This book reminds me why. It's a quick read that captures how so many of us feel about President Obama. He will be missed.

[Don Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Kadir Nelson took excerpts from different speeches delivered by Barack Obama between 2004 and 2008 and blended them together in a way that captures the feelings of hope and promise that many Americans felt after he was elected for his first term. Nelson then added graphite sketches to each excerpt that brought the message contained in the words to life. This choice of media is a departure from Nelson’s traditional use of oil paintings in his illustrations. But the use of graphite and the sketchy nature of the illustrations gives them a power that would be diminished if they were rendered in oils. This is because they give the book a wait and see feeling, much like many felt on the eve of Obama’s election.

In the case of Change Has Come, I would have the students complete an assignment in which they read the book and then conducted a series of interviews with people on what their reaction to the election of Barack Obama in 2008 was. Then I would have them discuss with the people they are interviewing whether or not their feelings or perspectives have changed since then. This would allow the students to practice their interviewing skills by having them create questions, conduct interviews, and present their findings. I would give the students a list of choices to present their findings, such as creating a video, a newspaper article, or a podcast. This would allow the students to present the interviews in the learning style that best suits them.

[J.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like millions of others I watched the inauguration from my computer at work. By the end there were about 10 of us crowded into my office, listening to the inspiring words of our new president. I'm amazed at the excitement behind his election, how it seems to have given so much hope to so many people. And not just here in America, but all over the world.

And that's what this little book is all about. It's a little more than pocket-sized and a mere 62 pages, but it's a celebration of the change embodied in President Obama's election as the 44th president. The drawings are by Kadir Nelson, whose We are the Ship is one of the more beautiful books I own. In contrast, these aren't like the beautiful paintings in that book, but simple black and white drawings that express his spontaneous joy of this moment. There are also some of the words of Barak Obama, taken from five different speeches, although the way it's presented you could be forgiven for thinking it was a single speech. But honestly, there's not much substance to this book.

[Sam Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody here knows I'm a big old Kadir fanboy. This is not big news. What may come as a surprise is that this may be my new favorite book of his. This is surprising because, compared to the awesome artwork in We Are the Ship and Coretta Scott, Change Has Come is so simple. Nelson, in his own words, wanted to "try to save a little bit of the magic" of Election Night with his "spontaneous drawings." Talk about magic... Kadir's ridiculous talent spills off of every page. When added to Obama's words, which are used as the text of the book, it makes for some truly wonderful moments, like the page with Obama's simple "Yes we can" leading into Nelson's perfect profile of the president. But the best page may be the last: a scrawny little kid holding a sign that simply says, "Hope." We don't buy books often, but I'll throw down some cash for this one. Amazing.

[Marjanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, here's a warning: I may be getting on my political soapbox for a minute. This brief book (it only takes about 10 minutes to read) is a collection of quotes from Barack Obama, from various points during his presidential run, and some great illustrations to go with them. Personally, I find the new president very inspiring and I truly do hope that he can make good on all he has promised to this country. I really enjoyed the handful of quotes and will probably jot them down to remember later. Whether others agree or not, I do think that those of us who did vote for Obama really felt that change was needed in this country and he *could* be the one to deliver it. I do wonder though, when we all look back on this time, say in 20 years or so, how we will feel about everything that has been said about Obama and what happens in the near future.

[Billy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mediocre look at a momentous historical point...,

I ordered this book with excitement. President Obama's election, whether or not you like him, marks significant change for our country that, despite party lines, cannot be quelled; we have our first black President and this is important.

This book was going to be something that I shared with my daughters. A means of explaining the importance of the election, to explain the importance of the movement that changed the course of events in our country and, thus, helped lead to Obama's election.

What did we get? A couple of pencil-drawn pictures with some inspirational snippets from Obama's speeches. I don't understand how such a wonderful moment for our country, our history, can be cheapened so easily for a dollar.

This is really disappointing...

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for good typography, so I was liking this book by page 1. ("The text for this book is set in Valeria Script and Cochin," the publisher info is kind enough to tell me.) The sketches are lovely, and the drawings of Obama are wonderfully rendered. The text is woven together from 5 different speeches Obama gave before he became president. Regardless of your politics, these words are bound to touch you. They made my eyes well up as I remembered the feelings of hope, peace, unity he's been able to elicit, especially when he was first a candidate for POTUS. (Candidate Obama is one of my favorite political speakers ever.)

[Morgan]

This book is a nonfiction book that tells of Obama's election. It talks about everything, from the importance of going to vote that election and of children seeing faces like theirs as president. The best part was how simple but striking these pictures were. The one that caught me the most was the old lady with the walker, getting to the polls.

This book would help explain how important that election was to students. The coolest thing I think though it the illustrations. You could have students draw a picture of an event they think could be history one day and they would believe in themselves because of the way these illustrations were.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the very best of the many Obama-themed books for children that I've seen so far. It is just simple charcoal sketches on cream-colored paper that Kadir Nelson spontaneously started drawing in his joy on election night, combined with some of Obama's words from five of his speeches, from the Democratic convention in 2004 to Election Night 2008. This small, simple book brought back some of the same profound, joyful feelings I experienced myself while watching the election results and the inauguration.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started flipping through this little book while waiting for the illustrator to show for a signing. No joke, I had to put it down and walk away because my eyes were filling with tears. It’s a reminder that our new president stumped, campaigned and lobbied on a platform of unity and respect. We have to look beyond the shiny, happy facade of a new beginning to remember that THIS is what we voted for and THIS is what we will ALL have to work towards. Nelson’s drawings simply and beautifully capture the essence of the hope and change that has emerged in our great country.

[Mandy Laferriere · Rating 4 out of 5]

While doing inventory in my library, this book popped up as not being cataloged into our system. I pulled it off the shelf to see if I could get it put back into the system, and was immediately drawn in by both the illustrations and the message of hope for our country. The timing was a bit uncanny, in light of recent events in our nation, and it made me a little sad. But I choose to believe that if we got there once, we can get there again. A beautiful book, and a beautiful tribute to our first African American president.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, elegant little book -- with lots of quirky touching squiggle-sketches of ordinary Americans, and really gorgeous portraits of President Obama. Passages from Obama's own speeches, including his first as President-elect, are illustrated simply but eloquently by Kadir Nelson. I kept returning to it in the local QFC, and finally had to buy it. Definitely not 'just' for children. I only wish there were a larger edition, with more detail.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Nelson had created this book in his signature style of painting, but I understand why he did it in sketches instead: coming off the high of the historic 2008 election, Simon & Schuster wanted to take advantage of that and put out a book quickly. The book is still a powerful testament to that historic moment in our country's history, but I think it would have been even more powerful if Nelson had created paintings for these images instead.

[Catherine Woodman]

I love this book--it is well illustrated but someone who loves the speech, and does it justice--it encapsulates all that I feel about the president, why I still continue to carry hope in my heart because he is in charge in a way that I never have, and why his words mean something to me about what my hopes for America are.

[Gail]

It is a simple book with a huge message. Although one might see it as a celebration of the election of a black man to be President, it should also serve to remind us of the promise that is America, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic position. It encourages us all to continue to dream for ourselves and our nation, and to work to make America fulfill its promise.