Customer Reviews

Barack Obama: Working to Make a Difference (Gateway Biography)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The life of rising U.S. political star Barack Obama is detailed in this biography for Grades 4-7. This book is a satisfactory introduction to Obama who is currently a senator from Illinois with possible presidential aspirations. A strength of this book is the description of Obama's early life, where he was exposed to many cultures and experiences. Great photos accompany. One drawback is the description of Obama's wife, Michelle, as "noble-looking"--something that most likely would not happen with a white subject.

The book is an excellent, short story,yet a well written view of Obama's life as a child to adulthood. Very easy reading for children.

This booklet was intended for a young audience, not adults. Although it appears factual and contains some interesting photographs, I would not recommend it to adults interested in knowing more about Barack Obama.

With 48 pages, the book is Barack Obama's shortest biography. Specifically intended for younger readers, Obama's political views are not analyzed. The biographical content appears primarily derived from Obama's "Dreams from My Father" but is also based on interviews in Honolulu and at Harvard. The statement that Obama grew up "much as a Hawaiian American boy" appropriately gives credit to Obama's formative years in Honolulu. But the term "Hawaiian American" does not apply: The indigenous people are known as "Native Hawaiians," and those from the Islands never use that phrase.

This book is perfect for introducing children to the life of Barack Obama. Well written and well researched, Brill captures the essence of this remarkable man. She seamlessly traces the journey that takes Obama from his boyhood in Hawaii and Indonesia all the way to the U.S. Senate, effectively relating how his background and experiences have shaped his life. In this expertly crafted biography, we meet the man who inspires millions. And his story will inspire young readers everywhere.

This is a only a biography about Obama's life. I thought it would discuss how he would "make a difference!"

I was extremely satisfied with my purchase. It was in great condition and brand new!