With all of the fervor surrounding this past election and the upcoming inauguration, it's no surprise if your children (or you) are pretty curious about President Elect Obama. Here, some helpful resources for kids of all ages:
Pictures Books about Obama:
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes Ages 4-8
This beautifully illustrated book covers Obama’s life from childhood to Presidential candidate. It is written as a conversation between a mother and a child in Grimes characteristically poetic style. While the words are simple enough for young children to understand, be forewarned: this is no balanced, historical account. In fact, it’s more in the tradition of George Washington, “I can not tell a lie. I cut down your cherry tree,” glorification. Not that they are trying to hide this fact from readers: check out that title!
Barack by Jonah Winter Ages 6-9
A slightly more nuanced account of Obama’s life for older kids; this book does a pretty good job of addressing some of Obama’s early identity issues and hints at a less-than-ideal relationship with his parents. The book does bring up some great questions for further discussion, but eventually veers off into total worship mode: “And on the horizon, at the dawn of a new age, there appeared a man who would be the embodiment of King’s dream.” Yikes! The pictures are delightful and, we must admit, this book brought tears to the eyes of more than one Babble editor.
Biography:
Obama: A Promise of Change by David Mendell Ages 8-12
You know this book is going to be a little bit different when you read the opening line, “The swagger in Barack Obama’s step appeared even cockier than usual on the afternoon of July 27, 2004.” Cocky? That’s not a very flattering thing to say about our future president! That’s also what makes this book so great. David Mendell, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, is certainly pro-Obama, but in a “feet on the ground” kind of way. In addition to the balanced information, there are tons of quotes, both from Obama himself and from his supporters and campaign workers. And who can resist a photograph of the future Prez in his high school basketball uniform?
Explaining the Role of the President:
If I Were President by Catherine Stier Ages 4-6
This is an adorable and informational look at what it means to be President. Six children of diverse backgrounds take turns explaining the President’s jobs, while colorful illustrations help to complete the picture. The story touches on everything from campaign speeches to veto power to lighting the national Christmas tree. The book tends to focus a bit more on the perks of the job (in-house movie theater and personal chef anyone?) than on the really hard decisions, but it’s a great introduction for little kids.
The Presidency by Patricia Ryon Quiri Ages 6-9
Part of the classic “True Books,” series, The Presidency is a short, but informative look at the highest office in the land. The book divides the information up into helpful categories like “Who Can Be President?” and “Who Helps the President?” There’s even a chapter on the Inauguration. Lot’s of colorful photographs give the book a more grown-up feel for older kids. Now if they’d only include a chapter entitled, “What does the Vice President Do?”
- Lindsay Armstrong
(Image taken from www.harpercollinschildrens.com)
