Barack Obama
Son of Promise, Child of Hope
by Nikki Grimes
Simon and Schuster 2008
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- leadership
- hope
- identity
- perseverance
- family
- community
- role models
- social change
About this book
This lyrical picture-book biography traces Barack Obama’s journey from his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia to his rise as a leader who inspires hope and change. Nikki Grimes’s poetic text pairs with Bryan Collier’s striking collage illustrations to introduce young readers to Obama’s family roots, questions of identity, and commitment to community. It’s a warm, accessible introduction to a modern history-maker, ideal for shared reading and classroom discussion. Kids are drawn to the uplifting message, powerful artwork, and the idea that big dreams can grow from everyday beginnings.
Setting: Hawaii and Indonesia; later Chicago and the United States, late 20th–early 21st century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barack Obama right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Barack Obama. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include leadership, hope, identity.
How long does it take to read Barack Obama?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Barack Obama takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Barack Obama have an AR quiz?
Yes — Barack Obama has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Barack Obama?
Barack Obama has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.