Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 2010; vuoden 2010 painos)

An illustrated children's book that weaves parental love with introductions to American historical figures: painter Georgia O'Keefe, scientist Albert Einstein, athlete Jackie Robinson, Sioux leader Sitting Bull, singer Billie Holiday, teacher Helen Keller, memorial artist Maya Lin, Jane Addams who fed the poor, activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., astronaut Neil Armstrong, Cesar Chavez who spoke for farm workers, uniter Abraham Lincoln, and President George Washington.

Author Barack Obama (yes, the 44th US president) doesn't offer his best writing in this book. Some of the lines are confusing, leaning into poetry but with language that's likely unfamiliar to young children. However, it manages a clear message of love in a desire to educate.

He tells his daughters they are a part of the past and future, and that's what I want mine to understand, as well. ( )

A survey of inspirational historical figures seems a little too pat, safe, and bland for a man who challenged us to dream big. Nice art though. ( )

The message of the book is the importance of embracing the past in order to better our future. I am surprised I have never heard of this book until now. He tells great stories about how much he loves his daughters. He loves their company, their smiles, the sound of their feet and so much more. I love the style of writing and many similes used. He compares using like or as, for example, he says they are as brave as Jackie Robinson, smart land imaginative like Albert Einstein and goes on comparing his daughters to many other famous people. The warmth as he the book has no negativity is what I like about the book. The book is simply about how much love he has for his kids. He does tho, mention the importance of past historical figures and the importance of them in todays world and how all was down for America and we the people must continue to do so. I enjoyed the connection to history and how he mentions the diversity of people such as Caser Chavez and the impact everyone has had on American today. ( )

I initially picked up this book because on the cover I saw the words "A letter to my daughters". Then, the name of the author further sparked my curiosity. I knew I would like the message because Barack Obama is such a kind, caring person, and he speaks with such grace. His voice is strong and warm, at the same time. As he tells his daughters all about what he sees in them, he compares them to powerful individuals in history that possessed these same qualities. The images go hand-in-hand with the words. I don't have daughters, but I AM a daughter and this book touched me. Being raised in a biracial home, I have always felt a sense of pride when people of mixed heritage dedicate their lives to making the world a better place. I love hearing anything Barrack Obama has to say, as I know he is a fair person who has fought against injustice. I think this book was sweet, and I also like the information in the back. Of course I am familiar with Albert Einstein, Abe Lincoln, MLK, and Cesar Chavez. However, two of the people mentioned were ones I had never heard of. I was happy to learn about Maya Lin and Sitting Bull. ( )

"Of Thee I Sing" by Barack Obama is a great book that encourages and honors diversity in terms of religion, ethnicity, race, and more. It takes his daughters on a walk through history to see so many amazing people that did things that used to be unheard of. An example of this is Jackie Robinson who was the first African American to play major league baseball. Or Neil Armstrong who was the first person to walk on the moon. In the end it talks about how America is made up of so many different, unique, and strong people which is what makes America, America. I really love this book because no matter what household it's in children can find someone like them in this book. It welcomes and celebrates all diversity and I feel like it's a really powerful book to read to young children. Young children will be more likely to think of new things they can do that they might've thought impossible before and that is amazing. ( )