Barack Obama

By: Nikki Grimes

Narrated by: Nikki Grimes

The #1 New York Times bestselling picture-book biography of President Barack Obama.

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.©2008 Nikki Grimes; (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Good story marred by lackluster narration

Would you try another book from Nikki Grimes and/or Nikki Grimes?

I might. I'm not opposed to her as an author but I didn't like her narration.

What other book might you compare Barack Obama to and why?

I bought it thinking it would be a short biography similar to the "Who Was X?" series. Unfortunately, it had less content and weaker narration. We didn't seem to learn much from it, or find it very enjoyable.

What didn’t you like about Nikki Grimes’s performance?

She wasn't a smooth or engaging narrator. My son and I had a hard time paying attention, which is surprising since Obama's life is such an interesting story.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Sure -- I would enjoy seeing a film about Obama's life.