Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of Barack Obama, from his childhood to his presidency. It highlights his dreams, his struggles, and his determination to make a difference in the 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 our 44th President, 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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Barack Obama face, and how do you think they shaped his character?
How does the author use different events in Obama’s life to show his journey of hope?
What qualities do you admire most in Barack Obama, and why?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a difficulty, just like Obama did in his youth?
How does Barack Obama’s story inspire you to pursue your dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Barack Obama's challenges, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and hope, key themes in Obama's life, and discuss how they might be applied in your child's life.
Use the book as a springboard to talk about goals and dreams, asking your child to share their own aspirations and how they plan to achieve them.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of Obama’s story, enhancing your child's understanding and appreciation of his achievements.
Facilitate empathy by discussing the emotional aspects of Obama's journey; ask your child how they think Obama felt during different parts of his life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The story illustrates how Barack Obama overcame difficulties and persevered through challenges, both in his youth and later in his political career.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination and not give up easily, whether it's with schoolwork, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope and vision
Explanation: Obama's journey shows how having hope and a clear vision can lead to significant accomplishments.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to dream big and have a positive outlook towards their future, setting goals and working towards them.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity and understanding
Explanation: Barack Obama's multicultural background and his efforts to understand and unite different communities are highlighted.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and respect people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in their own classrooms and communities.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: Obama’s academic pursuits and his success underline the importance of education.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to take their studies seriously and understand that education can be a stepping stone to future success.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: The book showcases Obama's leadership qualities and how he took responsibility to bring about change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take initiative in their own lives and lead by example in various situations, such as group projects or family tasks.