Middle school and teen readers can explore the life of the 44th president of the United States in this factual and informative biography of Barack Obama's life leading up to his historic election. The life of Barack Obama is an inspirational story for anyone who has ever felt abandoned, alone, different, or who has wanted to do great things and make a difference in the world. Learn about the life-shaping experiences Barack Obama faced as he was raised by a single mom and his grandparents. Discover how he rose to the top of his class at Harvard law and accepted a faith that gives his life deeper meaning. And explore the tough choices President Obama faced when he left a lucrative career in law to work in public service. In 1967, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke out about the state of our country and its leadership, saying, "We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now." Forty years later Barack Obama stood in the same place Abraham Lincoln once stood, and announced he was running for president because of Dr. King's words. He recognized a country in turmoil and a nation looking for something different, something better. As you read about the life of Barack Obama, look at the world around you and see how you too can participate in creating change for the better. Barack Obama: uses a factual presentation that makes this book perfect for school assignments provides a non-biased look at Barack Obama's life leading up to his election explores Barack Obama's faith and the values his family instilled at a young age contains inspiring quotes from throughout his life and first presidential campaign