Barack Obama: Our 44th President
Gormley, who has written biographies about subjects as diverse as the biblical Salome and Laura Bush, turns her attention to the new president. Although there have already been several books published about Obama, including picture books, this is for a slightly older audience and takes him through his presidential win. Organized chronologically, the straightforward telling of the events in Obama’s life include just a hint of psychological inquiry, primarily regarding his search for a comfortable identity as a biracial child. For kids who know just the bare facts about Obama, they will be interested to learn that he was not always the best student, that he could be sullen and difficult, and how unorthodox his upbringing was. The book follows his life as a community organizer and his involvement in politics as well as his family relationships. Although there is a bibliography, no source notes are given, even for quotes, and there are no photographs. A serviceable choice until something more attractive comes along. Grades 6-9. --Ilene Cooper