Barack Obama: An American Story

by Bob Carlton, Ariele Gentiles

You've read about historical U.S. figures in school textbooks. Maybe you've even seen a mini-series or movie about some of the leaders of America's past. But right now you're living in the midst of history in the making. You are watching a man with an unlikely story become one of the most important people in American politics today. It doesn't matter whether you've heard him speak, or even whether or not you agree with his politics. The life of Barack Obama is an inspirational story for anyone who has ever felt abandoned, alone, different, or who has wanted to do great things and make a difference in the world. Learn about the life-shaping experiences Barack Obama faced as * was raised by a single mom and his grandparents * rose to the top of his class at Harvard law * accepted a faith that gives his life deeper meaning * left a lucrative career in law to work in public service In 1967 Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke out about the state of our country and its leadership, saying, 'We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.' Barack Obama was only six-years-old when that speech took place, and forty years later he stood in the place where Abraham Lincoln once stood, and announced he was running for President because of what Dr. King called the 'fierce urgency of now.' He recognized a country once again in turmoil and a nation looking for something different---something better. As you read about the life of Barack Obama you'll be encouraged, inspired, and challenged to look at the world around you and see how you can take your own improbable journey to change it.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was so cool to read about Barack’s life- however, this is a Christianity prop book in disguise. Note: Barack is a great man because of his actions and deeds- not because of his God or religious beliefs.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book mostly about pre Obama presidency and somewhat bias to. Geared toward college crowd and Obamas speeches.

[Andrae Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of President Barack Obama's rise to leadership and some basic principles he stood by. Good read and a valuable lesson about not being defined by your circumstances.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a non fiction book about our President Barack Obama. It tells the amazing story and process of how he became so successful and how he achieved his dreams. This book starts of with the background story of how his mother(from Hawaii) and his father(from Kenya) met and got divorced. He was born in the time the second civil war was going on, when the blacks were fighting for freedom and equality from the whites. Obama truly witnessed and became a part of changing history of the United States. Barack Obama spent alot of time trying to figure out his identity because at that time there were not many international marrige. Through Columbia University, working as a community organizer, studying law in Harvard, Barack Obama has traveled to the political office in the United States of America.
I can connect Barack Obama's story to many of our American heroes. They never gave up at hard times just like Barack Obama and became successful just like him.
I rate this book 5 stars because it feel that this book is very information filled and it greatly reflects on President Obama's life. I would recommend this book to EVERYONE!!! I would recommend it to everyone because it is a funtertaining (fun and intertaining!) book that anyone will enjoy....exept for kinds under 8.

[Yasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I like the book and I give this book a 5. It explains about his life when he was young with a single mom and his grandparents. He was in the top class at Harvard Law School. He has a family who loves so much, and made everyday a good day. He inspires me, when you can make a differences and try something new in life.

[Greilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought Barack Obama lived such a hard life.I really did enjoy reading about him.