Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters By Barack Obama, Illustrated by Loren Long (2010) – Hardcover
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Recommended ages: 4 to 8
Reading Level: Lexile 830L
Of Thee I Sing is a tender love letter from a father to his daughters and a powerful tribute to thirteen diverse Americans that changed the world. From the innovative sounds of Billie Holiday to the leader and soul healer Sitting Bull, President Barack Obama discovers the traits of these legendary figures in his own daughters and gives them the inspiration they need to forge their own paths.
Have I told you that you have your own song?
A woman named Billie Holiday wore a gardenia in her hair
and sang beautiful blues to the world.
Her voice, full of sadness and joy,
made people feel deeply and add their melodies to the chorus.
Loren Long’s illustrations throughout the book are awe inspiring. I would have liked to see something equally as powerful on the cover art. Although the book is dedicated to Obama’s daughters, depicted throughout the pages is a diverse group of children.
Additional content at the back of the book includes extended biographies of the historical figures aforementioned.
Take-away message : Teaches children that they all have potential to change the future.
TAGS: Notable POC, Barack Obama, diverse characters, father-daughter, hardcover
About the Author:
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States. Born in Hawaii to a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya, he himself is now the father of two daughters, Malia and Sasha. It was spending time with them that inspired him to write Of Thee I Sing.
About the Illustrator:
Loren Long is the bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved books for children, including Drummer Boy and the New York Times bestseller Otis. Born in Missouri and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, he is also the illustrator of Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could, as well as Toy Boat, I Dream of Trains, and Wind Flyers. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Tracy, and their two sons, Griffith and Graham.
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