I love to do book reviews for many reasons. First and foremost, I love books. Me and working the elementary school book fair = big profits for the book fair. Secondly, I am about to be a teacher and I think my husband is planning on that being more income for our family, not my spending all my income on books for my classroom. Which could totally happen. So when I get the opportunity to review books that I will use in my future classroom, I jump at the opportunity.
When I was offered The New York Times Obama: The Historic Journey Young Reader's Edition I jumped really high.
This book? Amazing. Exhibit A: Social Butterfly is not much of a reader (she's a good reader, she's just very busy with other things. See her blog name). I opened the box the book came in, put the book on the counter, turned my back and this is what I found when I went looking for the book:
The book is full of gorgeous, full-color photos that capture the amazing journey of Barack Obama from "A Skinny Kid with a Funny Name" to President of the United States. The text is straightforward and there are lots of boxes full of useful information explaining the electoral process and outlining the differences between the candidates. Their are images that are both iconic and personal along with personal trivia, maps and charts.
I must confess that I was an "Obama Mama" from the start and the side of my refrigerator showcases a "Draft Obama" bumper sticker that I got from donating to his campaign before there was a campaign. Still, whatever your political bent, the election of Barack Obama was historic and this book would make a fantastic addition to any classroom or home library.
The age guidelines say 9-12, but my freshman Honor's English student read it twice and I thoroughly enjoyed it also. If this was a movie review I would definitely give it two thumbs way up. If you are looking for an end-of-the-year gift for a teacher, this book would be a great gift. Take it from an (almost) teacher!
I know a few people that would enjoy that book! Great gift idea.
Thanks for the review..........
Posted by: Zelzee | May 31, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Great review Jenn!!! Sounds like a keeper.
Posted by: Suz | May 31, 2009 at 09:14 PM
I had secretly kinda wished that I was this freakishly pregnant during the campaign so I could wear a maternity Obama Mama shirt... I think I need a baby Obama onesie...
Posted by: Leslie | May 31, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Sounds awesome! On my way to Amazon now. And SB is a cutie pie! ;-)
Posted by: she | May 31, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Love the book as a gift for teacher idea. And would love to read this one myself. Trip to B&N anyone?
Posted by: phd in yogurtry | May 31, 2009 at 11:12 PM
This may be a perfect gift for my voracious reading niece. I'd love it for my boys but if SB is reading it, it's probably a little too soon.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | June 01, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Perfect gift for my 4th grade teacher friend! She will love it. Thanks for the review!
Posted by: imom | June 01, 2009 at 09:21 AM
I know many young people who I can buy this for, too!
Posted by: Green Girl in Wisconsin | June 01, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Great gift idea!
Posted by: Fannie | June 01, 2009 at 11:04 AM
This is the second good review I've read. I'm thinking of getting it for my niece's 9th birthday. My brother is a huge Obama fan.
Posted by: Little Miss Sunshine State | June 01, 2009 at 08:36 PM
I am about to do my review but feel like I could just point at your post - "What she said." It's so exciting watching teenagers find something they like about a book :D
Posted by: stephanie (bad mom) | June 01, 2009 at 10:40 PM
This sounds like a great book! I can't wait to hear/see his speech from Cairo tomorrow.
Posted by: JCK | June 03, 2009 at 11:51 PM