Black History Month: Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Obama, 44th US President
Barack Hussein Obama II is an American retired politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. Obama, a member of the Democratic Party, was the first African-American president of the United States. Wikipedia
Books in our SORA Collection
We have the following books in our Monroe One SORA account:
- Barack Obama by Shana Corey (One copy)
Interest level: K-3
A Step 3 Step into Reading Biography Reader about our forty-fourth president, Barack Obama--revised to include an account of his reelection and new photographs! With clear and accessible language, independent readers can learn how the lessons and love from Obama's mother and grandparents shaped him; how the places he lived influenced him; and how he turned his childhood feeling of being an outsider into a positive driving force that propelled him into the history books! - Barack Obama by Nikki Grimes (ebook) (One copy)
Barack Obama by Nikki Grimes (audiobook) (One copy)
Interest level: K-3
Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world. - Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama (ebook) (One copy)
Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama (audiobook) (One copy)
Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama (read & listen) (Two copies)
Interest level: K-3
In this poignant letter to his daughters, Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America's children. This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation's founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever. - Dream Big Dreams by Pete Souza (One copy)
Audience: Juvenile
Pete Souza served as Chief Official White House Photographer for President Obama's full two terms. He was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else - and he photographed them all, capturing scenes both classified and candid. Throughout his historic presidency, Obama engaged with young people as often as he could, encouraging them to be their best and do their best and to always "dream big dreams." In this timeless and timely keepsake volume that features over seventy-five full-color photographs, Souza shows the qualities of President Obama that make him both a great leader and an extraordinary man. With behind-the-scenes anecdotes of some iconic photos alongside photos with his family, colleagues, and other world leaders, Souza tells the story of a president who made history and still made time to engage with even the youngest citizens of the country he served.
Multimedia Resources
Illinois Senator Barack Obama Ready to Announce His Candidacy to United States Presidency
Grades K-Adult
Barack Obama, a first-term Democratic Senator from Illinois, will formally launch his presidential campaign on Saturday (February 10) in Springfield, Illinois. Obama has promised to wage "A Different Kind Of Politics" in a run for the White House that could shatter U.S. racial barriers and make him the first black president. Obama, the son of a white mother from Kansas and a black father from Kenya, has quickly become a leading contender for the heavily contested Democratic nomination, along with Clinton and 2004 Vice Presidential nominee John Edwards. But Obama's status as the first black presidential contender considered to have a real shot at winning the White House has not translated into widespread support from the African-American community. The 45 year-old Obama has served in the U.S. Senate for two years. He previously served seven years in the Illinois senate. He is married and has two young daughters.
Barack Obama: Overcoming Barriers
Grades 6-12
This documentary traces the racial and political barriers that African Americans have overcome in the United States, from the time of slavery to the election of the country's first African-American president, Barack Obama. Students will learn about the people and events that paved the way for Obama's election. The program also reveals how growing up during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s influenced the political views and aspirations of President Obama.
Inside Obama's Presidency (PBS)
Grades 9-Adult
This episode of Frontline from January 2013 takes a probing look at the first four years of Barack Obama's presidency on the eve of the beginning of his second term. With inside accounts from his battles with his Republican opponents over health care and the economy to his dramatic expansion of targeted killings of enemies, Frontline examines the President's key decisions and the experiences that will inform his second term.
Barack Obama: The Story of Our 44th President
Grades 2-7
Students will learn some interesting facts about Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and the first African-American president in American history. Viewers will discover that Obama flew kites competitively while living in Indonesia, his favorite game is Scrabble and he does not like ice cream. The program presents the people, places and events that shaped Obama's life from his childhood in Hawaii to his journey to the White House. The American political and election processes are also explained.The 44th President: In His Own Words
Grades 7-Adult
Including excerpts from interviews with President Barack Obama conducted both before and after the 2016 presidential election, this program is the President's first-hand account of his time in office -- his successes, his failures, his unfinished business, and what he hopes will be his legacy. The program, which includes interviews with members of the Obama staff, Congress and the press, reviews the important actions and events of the Obama presidency.The President's Photographer: Fifty Years Inside the Oval Office
Grades 6-Adult
Peter Souza is never far behind President Barack Obama. In fact, sometimes he's ahead of him. As the chief White House photographer, Souza is the president's shadow. With unprecedented access, National Geographic follows the president's photographer inside the Obama White House -- aboard Air Force One, backstage at the State of the Union and the health care reform vote, and into the heart of the West Wing. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday grit of the American presidency and a chance to see what it is like to cover the most powerful man in the world -- for history. Narrated by Morgan Freeman.
The End: Inside the Last Days of the Obama White House (Learn360)
Grades 9-12
Join CNN Films for an inside view of Barack Obama's last days as the first African-American President and the legacy he leaves behind.
Scholastic News Kid Reporter
(Grades K-8) These Scholastic videos feature interviews with President Barack Obama during the lead-up to the 2012 election.
- Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 1
In this clip, Obama talks about how much is at stake in the election. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 2
In this clip, Obama explains his work on the economy and his plans for a second term. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 3
In this clip, Obama talks about preparing workers for the jobs of tomorrow. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 4
In this clip, Obama discusses making schools better. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 5
In this clip, Obama talks about making higher education affordable. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 6
In this clip, Obama talks about protecting the environment. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 7
In this clip, Obama discusses immigration. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 8
In this clip, Obama talks about where he agrees with Republican candidate Mitt Romney. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 9
In this clip, Obama talks about wanting to be the president. - Scholastic News Kid Reporter Election Interview with President Barack Obama, Part 10
In this clip, Obama describes what he would say to his daughters if they wanted to be president.