DK Biography: Barack Obama - Hardcover

Stephen Krensky is the author of more than 100 books for children, including DK Biography: Benjamin Franklin, and works on George Washington and the Wright brothers.

Grade 6–9—Many books about Obama have been published since his historic election in November 2008, and his compelling background and charismatic personality make for interesting reading. This title is a welcome addition to the group. Krensky excels at providing context not only for Obama's election, but also for his unlikely rise to prominence. Readers learn about his childhood, adolescence, education, and adulthood without losing sight of the tumultuous social and racial changes overtaking America in the second half of the 20th century. DK's powerful photographic format and the usual blurbs and sidebars work well at keeping this age group's interest. This book, especially when paired with Garen Thomas's Yes We Can (Feiwel & Friends, 2009) and Jill Abramson's Obama: The Historic Journey (Callaway, 2009), provides a solid nucleus for most collections.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI
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