Barack Obama: An American Story, by Bob Carlton and Ariele Gentiles, Zondervan, 2008. 144 pages.

"What is Zondervan doing publishing a book on Barack Obama," countless youthworkers around the country cried when Youth Specialties announced they had commissioned and were releasing a biography of him. The blogs were full of disrespectful comments toward both Youth Specialties and Barack, but Youth Specialties mostly did a good job of helping to interpret their decision (click for a PDF document/press release).

The book is a surprisingly engaging read and, while marketed in the "juvenile nonfiction" category, will be of interest to anyone who would like to read a basic biography of our new President. The book gives an overview of his entire life, up to the point of the election (it does not mention his victory, or the race between him and John McCain.) On the whole, it is an almost entirely balanced and even portrayal of Barack, with excellent attention to:

• community organizing (something very few Christians—or Americans, for that matter—understand)
  
• his relationship with Michelle and his family
• his writings and speeches (many quotes, sometimes extended, are included)
  
• his anti-war position, with its connection to the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• the story of his celebrated 2004 speech to the Democratic National Convention
  

A few oddities distract from the book, though not enough for me to avoid recommending it to you:

• There are some occasional tangents that feel a bit out of place, especially two pages of statistics and discussion about fatherless families, and the inclusion of a long prayer by emergent church author Donald Miller.
  
• An analysis of his controversial pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, is almost entirely absent.
  
• Practically no discussion is included about some of his important theological influences, such as Reinhold Neibuhr, whose work was critical in shaping Barack's religious thought.
  

I suspect these aspects relate both to the fact that the book was released by a conservative publishing giant, and that the book has a more informational than analytical tone. On the whole, though, the book would make a great gift to a youth who is interested in politics, and it would also be appropriate for a small group book study by youth. You might also simply leave a copy in the youth room to spark discussion, or make copies available for checkout. The book is a worthwhile effort, and I for one applaud Youth Specialities for publishing it. Barack's story is an inspiring one for youth to read about, and the book would make a perfect addition to any other Black History Month plans you already have. (Some ideas can be found here and here, by the way.)