Grade 2-3–In creating this unbiased, lively portrait of Barack Obama and his family, von Zumbusch divides content that normally would comprise a single book into four mini-biographies. On each spread, two large-font paragraphs appear on the recto, opposite large, vivid photographs that correspond with the narrative. Captions appear in bright yellow boxes. While fundamental biographical facts are included, the author weaves in facts that relate to history in a larger sense. For instance, Michelle Obama states, Until 1865, many African Americans were slaves. In fact, some of Michelle Obama's ancestors were slaves. A glossary provides awkward phonetic pronunciation guidance, and sources are not cited. All things considered, however, this series about an American whose achievements are compelling and unprecedented is colorful, well designed, and accessible.
