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Saturday, December 25, 2010

Book Review: "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters" (2010) Barack Obama

Book Purchased: 24 December at Mishawaka Barnes & Noble store / Book read: 25 December 2010
its original release was Nov. 16 -- more information about that publication at Christian Science Monitor [http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2010/1116/Obama-s-Of-Thee-I-Sing-hits-bookstore-shelves]

Publisher Alfred A. Knopf: New York (2010)

This picture book that is a cumulative effort reminding Sasha & Malia about all the Americans and world-famous persons that remind of American values that they too are like them --
the creativity of Georgia O'Keefe
the imagination and intelligence of Albert Einstein
the bravery of Jackie Robinson
the healing traits/capacity of Sitting Bull
the way she had "her own song": Billie Holiday
the strength of Helen Keller
the way she honored others' sacrifices: Maya Lin, architect
the kindness of Jane Addams
the unyielding compassion of Martin Luther King Jr.
the explorer traits of Neil Armstrong
the inspiring demonstration of Cesar Chavez
the uniting acts of Abraham Lincoln
the belief and acts of George Washington.

This book is notable for its brevity and its solid illustration/art work that is both plain and complex.  The depiction of the daughters who are joined in turn by the 13 inspiring figures as children themselves is heart-warming.  The noteworthy Americans of long ago and recent eras (i.e. Armstrong & Lin are listed in an appendix as living) deserve their diverse attention by those offering role models for the youth of today.

Highly recommended and well worth the price ($17.99 retail)!

1 comment:

Timothy Shaw said...

Marjorie Kehe offered this further explanation of the children's book and its purpose --

[H]is (President Obama's) book is expected to do well regardless of the political climate. It delivers an upbeat, appealing message and it arrives at the start of the holiday period and features illustrations by popular children's book artist Loren Long (well known for his bestselling book "Otis" as well as collaborations with other celebrities including Madonna and Frank McCourt).

Obama will not, however, be seeing any profits from the book. All proceeds from sales of "Of Thee I Sing" will be donated to a scholarship fund for the children of soldiers who have been killed or disabled.

The 40-page book, which has a list price of $17.99, has a first printing of 500,000 copies.