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On the front counter of the store where I work, I placed the Obama and McCain books. Many discussions, amongst staff and customers alike have risen since doing so, and as you can imagine, they have been most entertaining. Most people who look at the books have fairly strong feelings about mixing politics and children. It’s easy to assume that a parent that purchases one of these books is most likely a diehard fans of that particular political party. I have enjoyed watching my first two copies sold and the conversations between parents exchanging views on candidates – I have sold one of each book. The first to be sold was Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope. I thought to myself that it was a sign of what was to come in the future. Then … almost immediately, the first copy of My Dad, John McCain was sold.
So while I do tend to believe in the world giving “signs”, I realize that watching for which book sells out first might not be the best way to predict who the next president will be. Anyway, I plan to keep you in the loop and will provide my own reviews on both books in the coming days … unless, of course, they sell out.
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
by Nikki Grimes (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (August 26, 2008)
Synopsis: 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 an exceptional man, as 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.
My Dad, John McCain
by Meghan McCain (Author), Dan Andreasen (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Aladdin (September 2, 2008)
Synopsis: Born the son and grandson of military men, Senator John McCain from Arizona was destined for a life serving his country in the armed forces. Like many great men, he occasionally struggled with authority, but once he found his true calling — flying naval aircraft — his ideals and commitment to his country took him far.
From the low point of five years as a prisoner of war to the high points of raising a large, happy family and being chosen as the Republican nominee in the 2008 presidential election, Senator McCain has lived an incredible life driven by a love of his country and a desire to serve it to the best of his ability.
This picture book biography, written with great love and insight by his oldest daughter, writer Meghan McCain, shows us the public John McCain and the personal John McCain in a way we’ve never seen before — making this American hero come to life before young eyes.
Links: Just for some fun …
