Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grime, Illustrated by Bryan Collier
In the past few months we have witnessed a major historical event in the United States with the election and inauguration of the 44th president Barack Obama. In celebration of Black History Month how could I not review at least one book about President Obama? I’ve been reading a lot of books about slavery and the civil rights movement this month and it’s amazing to see the strides that have been made by electing an African-American to the highest office of government. Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grime, illustrated by Bryan Collier is a celebration of that achievement.
Based on Barack Obama’s memoir Dreams From My Father, Nikki Grimes has created a simple biography for young readers. A mother sits with her young son as he asks her who is that man on TV. She tells him Obama’s story from his beginnings in Hawaii to his arrival in Washington D.C. I think that this is a great introduction to learn the basic background of Obama. It is not in any way unbiased though. Barack Obama is portrayed in only the most positive light. Fans of Barack Obama will enjoy this book, those who are not probably won’t.
As far as the illustrations by Bryan Collier they are very artistic. But personally, it’s not a style that I liked. Collier says “Each page is created in watercolor and collage, which acts as a metaphor for piecing different parts or issues together to make something new, whole, or complete.” So I understand it, I can appreciate it, but in this case I didn’t care for it at all.
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope isn’t for everyone. I think either you’ll like it or you won’t. I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more with a slightly different execution.
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope is part of my themed reading for the month of February which celebrates Black History Month. Join me this month as I explore books that celebrate the history of African-Americans. Also reviewed this month: The Well by Mildred D. Taylor, Freedom Walkers, The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Russell Freedman, Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges and Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson. Other reviews of interest: A Thousand Never Evers by Shana Burg, Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, and Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis.
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Category: Book Reviews, History/World Events, Nonfiction, Picture Books
Tags: A-D Title, Black history, E-H Author, election, published 2008, slavery
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Natasha, this is a great review! I like that you were honest about the bias of the book (while I am partial to Obama, it is still important to know different slants, if you will, on the same person) and I also like that you were honest about the artwork. It is great to find a book out for children on the new president already. I watched his news conference tonight and I know I am not the only one who thought, wow, every first thing he does is historical. It is important for parents and teachers to be able to talk with their children about these events in a way that makes sense to them, but also in a way that shows the importance of these events. Thanks for sharing this!
on February 10th, 2009 at 1:29 amMy mom said this book was way over the heads of the second graders she teaches!
on February 10th, 2009 at 8:01 amRebecca- Thanks. You make me feel better. I don’t know why but I was a bit nervous with this review but it didn’t seem right to not review at least one book about Obama.
Amy – Yeah, I could see it. I think maybe it’s the type of book that’s better read in one’s lap one on one. But I don’t know why that would make a difference.
on February 10th, 2009 at 8:17 amI really liked the illustrations in this book, but that’s me I tend to like that style. And you are very right this book portrays Obama in a very positive light. So far it’s the only picture book I am aware of about him. I am very interested in future picture books about him and how they compare to this one especially as his presidency gets more underway.
Amy I think as far as going over the heads of second graders – which I remember from your mom’s review, there are a lot references to historical events and characters, far away places and racial relations, etc. and I could see it going over a lot of children’s heads. A lot of it went over my daughter’s, but she got the general gist of the book, where he was from, that is family is important to him and that he wanted to help people, etc.
on February 10th, 2009 at 2:54 pmI’m glad for your comment Amy and your review Natasha. I had been thinking about this book for my daughter. Her 2nd grade class watched the inauguration on their really cool “smartboards” (awesome things if you haven’t seen them!) She was so excited to come home and tell me about it.
As smart as my little girl is (I am biased), all during election time my daughter (hanging my head in shame) thought our, then president elect was named “All-Black Ombama”. She would listen to no one who tried to correct her because, “the man on TV said that is what his name is….Really!”
She finally has listened to us all, and can correctly name our President. I might add this to the TBR pile for her to give her some background history. ~sigh~ I promise I am not a bad mommy.
on February 10th, 2009 at 10:22 pmCari – I’m sure we’ll see a lot more books about Obama the further we get into his presidency. I’m glad you liked the illustrations, they just weren’t for me.
Jenn M. – That is so funny! No, you’re not a bad mother. I just had to Google smartboard. Those look really cool!
on February 15th, 2009 at 9:57 pmThe Smartboards in her classroom are like the traditional overhead projectors, but the teacher has a tablet thing and a webcam and it appears on the LCD smartboard. The have interactive things for the kids as well. They can write their answers on their own tablet and it shows a grid with their answers.
Really stinkin cool. I guess I’m lucky she’s smart and got into the ‘cool’ school with lots of money.
on February 15th, 2009 at 10:26 pm