This picture book (Barack Obama--Son of Promise, Child of Hope) is written by poet, Nikki Grimes. The artist is Bryan Collier. Grimes makes it clear that our 44th President was not a child of privilege. Like so many American children he did not grow up in a two-parent home. As Langston Hughes would say, life for him was not a crystal stair. There was abandoment and pain along the way. However, he never wavered in his personal ambition and desire to pursue excellence. Grimes provides a lyrical portrait of a determined little boy who was nurtured by an extended family of caring grandparents. This should inspire young children who find themselves living with guardians who are not their biological parents. It goes to show that a "broken home" is not an indicator of automatic failure. For the famous and non-famous such a challenging life often creates a resilient and conquering spirit. As for Bryan Collier's illustrations, they are a combination of watercolor and collage. The pictures are beautiful but not as captivating as his illustrations in Rosa (Parks) by Nikki Giovanni. Share President Obama's biography with all children but especially the ones who find themselves living without their parents. Let them know that they can make it! Yes, they can!
