Obama: The Historic Journey: Young Reader's Edition [Hardcover]

Bill Keller (Author), Jill Abramson (Author), The New York Times (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Obama: The Historic Journey: Young Reader's Edition brings readers the extraordinary story of Barack Obama’s voyage from childhood through his inauguration as the 44th president of the United States of America. His election marked an unprecedented step forward in American history, shattering racial barriers and forever altering the political landscape. No other news source has better captured his story than The New York Times, America’s premier newspaper and the winner of 96 Pulitzer Prizes for journalism.

With an astounding array of visual imagery, along with in-depth reporting that has been specially adapted for young readers, this beautifully produced volume gives children a comprehensive portrait of the man whose inspiring message has touched people the world over. Children will be fascinated by the “skinny kid with the funny name” who rose to become America’s first African-American president.

A Look Inside Obama: The Historic Journey: Young Reader's Edition
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From School Library Journal

Grade 3–7—Lavishly illustrated with large photographs, a family tree, maps, and insets with political quotes, this journal of the historic rise and election of Barack Obama is both informative and stunning. The president's family, education, political life, and 2008 campaign are all given extensive coverage. Political terms such as "delegate," "primary," and "caucus" are explained in colorful sidebars. Useful for research and recreational reading, this title will engage readers from start to finish as they relive these recent events. Descriptions of the Obama campaign include the use of texting and the Internet to raise funds, promote the candidate, and examine party issues. Also highlighted are insights from those who participated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement and the focus on "change" coming to America. The writing, research, and photography are of superior quality. A must-purchase.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary, Laramie, WY
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Callaway (February 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670012084
• ISBN-13: 978-0670012084
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,177,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring book for young readers with beautiful photographs, August 13, 2009

By 

Redlady (http://redladysreadingroom-redlady.blogspot.com/) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Obama: The Historic Journey: Young Reader's Edition (Hardcover)

Regardless of which candidate you voted for, as Americans, we all know that the journey of the election of our 44th President has definitely been a historic one. I am proud to be part of this history and to have my son witness this historic event. Obama: The Historic Journey, Young Readers Edition is a beautiful book that chronicles the life of Barack Obama and his rise to presidency. I love that this book, published by The New York Times, tells this story through words and 200 beautiful color photographs. This book does an amazing job of sharing this journey from the start of Barack Obama's early childhood all the way up to the election process, inaugaration and first few weeks into office.

This book is a Young Readers Edition, geared to inspire the 8-12 year old age group. It was inspiring to read and I learned quite a few things along the way that I had not known. The writing and style of the book will definitely appeal to the younger and older age groups. It's written in short chapters, with quotes and anecdotes that complement the content. I must emphasize this again that the photographs are wonderful and make the book outstanding. The strength of the book is in the way it presents the information in a journalistic style that presents itself in an interesting and welcoming manner for young readers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Photos, July 12, 2009

By 

Julie Peterson "Booking Mama" (Central PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Obama: The Historic Journey: Young Reader's Edition (Hardcover)

Regardless of your political preferences, there is no question that history was made in January 2009 when Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Like many Americans, my husband and I follow politics pretty closely (especially this election), and we found ourselves discussing it at the dinner table many times over the past year. Our kids, nine and four, couldn't help but pick up on it; and as a result, they became extremely interested in the election too. (See my little aside comment at the end of this post.)

Books about Obama's journey have been everywhere, but I was so excited to see that there was a wonderful book written especially for young readers -- OBAMA: THE HISTORIC JOURNEY YOUNG READER'S EDITION. This book is published by The New York Times and is just filled with over 200 beautiful color photographs. It does a fantastic job of capturing the entire journey of Barack Obama from his early childhood right up through the inauguration and his first few weeks in office.

I know this book is supposed to be geared towards young readers, but I absolutely loved reading it. This book contained loads of historical information about Mr. Obama and his family, but it was extremely easy to read. It had just enough information to explain the entire journey without bogging down the reader with unnecessary details. The book was divided into small chapters and then had small features within these chapters. It was also filled with tons of gorgeous photos that make this book nice enough to sit out on your coffee table.

I know I sound like a broken record, but the photos in this book are amazing! I love how so many of them captured the essence of Obama as a man rather than a political figure. It's hard to pick just one or two that really stand out because there are tens of dozens that are memorable; however, there is one of President Obama with his daughters that I absolutely adore. The way he is looking at them is just so special, and I think it really shows that he is a loving father to his girls.

I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage of the events in this book. Not only did I think the coverage was very thorough, but I also thought it was unbiased. I enjoyed the sections where I could learn about Obama's youth; however, I thought the strength of this book was on the coverage of the election. I thought the book did a fair job of showing the brilliant way that Mr. Obama ran this historic election, but it also showed some of his mishaps along the way. I also thought the book did an excellent job of capturing not only Obama's run, but also McCain's attempt and where things went wrong for him.

My nine year old daughter claims that she is a little on the young side to read the entire book; however, I did find her looking at the pictures over and over again! Of course, she did manage to read all of the sections about the Obama girls and comment on all of Michelle's dresses. I have a feeling that we will be referencing this book many times in the next few years -- hopefully to learn more about President Obama rather than his family and their wardrobe!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Book ! Wonderful Resource!, June 13, 2009

By 

M. K. Hoelscher (Wapakoneta, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Obama: The Historic Journey: Young Reader's Edition (Hardcover)

What a wonderful resource this is! This book chronicles the life of Barack Obama from his childhood, on his incredible rise to power, his election and his inauguration as President of The United States. It's full of gorgeous pictures to bring it all to life. Regardless of where you stand politically, this is a beautiful addition to your children's library to help them get to know our new President. I was amazed at the beautiful photography, with some pictures from the inauguration that will help to experience the excitement of the day. This was the children's edition, but I found it fascinating just to look at the pictures. While it's an educational book, it isn't like a textbook at all. This is definitely a book to hand down to your children! I can't say enough good things about this book.