Yes We Can: A Biography of Barack Obama

By Garen Thomas

Book Overview

In third grade, Barack Obama wrote an essay titled, "I Want to Become President"--and he is, to this day, determined to show the world that, yes, he "can. "Born in the U.S.A., the son of an African father and an American mother, a boy who spent his childhood in Indonesia and Hawaii, Barack Obama is truly a citizen of the world. His campaign for the presidency is powered by a fierce optimism, an exuberant sense of purpose and determination, and, above all, a belief that change "can "happen.Garen Thomas takes us through the life of Barack Obama, from his struggle to fit in with his classmates and concern about not knowing his biological father, through his term as Illinois senator, to his historic and momentum-building run for president of the United States.Barack Obama is a man who uses his words to inspire us. We "can" have a better future. We "can "be whatever we want to be. "Yes. We. Can."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312537093
• ISBN13: 9780312537098
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.7" x 0.6" x 5.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

buy this one

As a specialist in children's therapy, I see this as a valuable book for educating children. I have a book collection of biographical series for children -- artists, musicians, politicians, etc. This has become a valuable part of my collection. I highly recommend this one.

Engaging biography

This book gave me a great overview of Barack Obama. It is a page-turner because Obama has led a life rich with experience. Garen Thomas' writing style informs and entertains. The photographs of Obama and his family, travels, and career add to the book's appeal. I highly recommend it to adults as well as young adults and children.

Absolutely inspiring

This is definitely a book for adults, too. It gives you an interesting insight of B. Obama's life as a politician but it doesn't forget his role as a son and father. I couldn't put the book down. 5stars!!

I loved reading this book with my 10-year-old son

I bought this book for one of my child therapy clients at work and we read it together. We couldn't put it down. I am speaking for the both of us when I say that the book "Yes We Can" was enlightening and inspiring. Not only did it do a great job of explaining the American political system to young readers, but it also detailed Barack Obama's life in a way that offers youth the inspiration to achieve great things in life.

Wonderful! An insightful look at the life of Barack Obama

Garen Thomas provides a thought-provoking and honest look at race and politics. The perfect addition to any middle or high school student's summer reading list.