Former president Barack Obama delivers a tender, beautiful letter to his daughters in this picture book illustrated by the award-winning Loren Long (Otis) that's made to be treasured! In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President 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, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children. Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood. 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.
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"This wonderful book was a gift from "Santa" to my 1st grade son, who has already shown a interest in non-fiction books. It was a wonderful way to start a dialogue about American history - the bad parts, as well as the good stuff. The illustrations are beautiful and dream-like, and I've caught my son just looking at the pictures on more than one occasion. A fabulous book and one that the Obama girls should be proud to call "theirs"."
— Bambi (5 out of 5 stars)
If Barack Obama wants to quit his day job (and maybe he might), he can probably make it as a children’s book author. Certainly, this is a beautiful package: thoughtfully conceived, handsomely illustrated and designed, and with a tight yet evocative text that brings children into the world of 13 famous Americans. Framed as a letter to his daughters (“Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?” the book begins), each double-page spread then asks a question that is exemplified by a person of note. “Have I told you that you are creative?” introduces Georgia O’Keeffe, who “helped us see big beauty in what is small: / the hardness of stone and the softness of feather.” Most of the people briefly profiled are expected names—George Washington, Jackie Robinson, Helen Keller, César Chávez—but there are a few outliers here as well, including Billie Holiday and Sitting Bull. As the spreads turn, other children join (the unnamed) Malia and Sasha on the question page, each embodying their own special gifts and talents. Long’s exceptional artwork has a timeless, Rockwellian quality that serves the text well, and the congregation of the children at the book’s conclusion will have readers looking and looking again. An addendum features a bit more about each person highlighted. Parents will be happy to talk to their own children about how creative or kind or strong they are and reiterate, as the president does, their place in the American family. — Ilene Cooper
— Booklist, starred review" I thought this was a beautiful book. It teaches children about various people in history and how the courage or strength or creativity they exhibited is part of each one of us, too. I loved the artwork and will have to look this artist up to see what else he has done. "
— Dorothea, 2/20/2014" A Children's book that talks of heroes in the US. I enjoyed it. The illustrations are wonderful also. "
— Patty, 2/18/2014" Cute story, but the illustrations especially of the American Indian child were not appropriate. Kids today should not see a American Indian child as a child with feathers on his head. We wear baseball caps and cowboy hats, and regular clothes just like everyone else. "
— Naomi, 1/24/2014" I loved this book. I read it to my Kindergarten students. It is a treasure for any American. "
— Linda, 1/24/2014" Really liked this nice story with the historical characters that were included. A lot of wholesome good lessons and values were included that all parents should try and teach their children. "
— Andrea, 1/16/2014" Beautiful illustrations and a great message--I especially love the way they incorporated important figures from American history--but I felt the lack of any meter or rhyme scheme made it sound clunky when read aloud, as intended. As a children's book, I thought it was just okay. "
— Hayley, 12/11/2013" Beautiful children's book...regardless of politics. Hopeful, inspiring, diverse, and thought provoking for every parent who wants to give their children the world. "
— Brynne, 12/10/2013" A nice reminder of the greatness every day Americans can achieve. "
— Rey, 12/5/2013" A sweet picture book with lovely illustrations. "
— Meg, 11/3/2013" An inspiring story with great illustrations--this book would make a great gift for children and adults alike. "
— Kathy, 11/2/2013" I really enjoyed this book and all of the beautiful artwork that went with it. "
— Katie, 9/28/2013" a very nice book in general, and then you think: wow this is a dad talking to his baby girls and it makes me cry. "
— Serina, 7/12/2013" Is it written for a political purpose? I expected something more personal from it. But I do love the illustrations. "
— Alice, 7/2/2013" A beautiful, simple letter from President Obama to his daughters about the many qualities that make America - and its people - outstanding, through many important historical figures. "
— Alicia, 6/13/2013" Adorable book. I love the fact that it points out the fact that America is made up of all different kinds if people. I think it's funny that some people believe that America is "white only". It's simply not true. Never was. "
— Lucy, 5/27/2013" Really sweet book, really nice book of encouragement to children. "
— Jocelin, 11/21/2012" What an incredibly moving story of love and pride in one's children and one's nation. That Barack Obama sure has a way with words. "
— Tamara, 10/14/2012" A good little introduction to some American leaders and innovators, even though they might not have been considered "true" Americans at the time. Interesting, isn't it, how far we have come, but we still have so far to go. "
— Robin, 9/26/2012" Beautiful book to introduce famous Black Americans to children. Proceeds from the sales go to charity. The pictures are beautiful! "
— Nancy, 5/23/2012" A powerful moving picture book. "
— Allison, 5/2/2012" It's SO beautiful - the message is incredible, and the illustrations are to die for! "
— Kimberly, 1/8/2012" Using the examples of famous Americans of all backgrounds, the President reminds his daughters (and all of our children) that we are all part of the American family, and have a place in its past and future. Very inspiring and kids will enjoy the brief histories. "
— Aimee, 12/8/2011" This is a great book with alot of american history involved. This book can teach children how one person can make a difference in the world. It also shows how "America is made up if people of every kind." "
— Rebecca, 12/4/2011" Absolutely tender and the illustrations enchanting. I love our president's complete and true devotion to his family, and this letter to his girls is like a letter any devoted father would share with his children to express his love and hope for them. It left me with tears in my eyes. "
— Christina, 7/15/2011" A nice reminder of the greatness every day Americans can achieve. "
— Kzr0, 6/15/2011" A sweet picture book with lovely illustrations. "
— Meg, 6/4/2011" Of Thee I Sing is a nice picture book with wonderful illustrations. It also conveys an important message to America and it's people. <br/> <br/>How I wish there would be a Philippine version of this book. ^.^ <br/> "
— Mia, 6/4/2011" My daughters and I like the book, but I think it would have been better if it was actually read by President Obama. I think it's interesting the people he chose to mention in the book. "
— Michelle, 5/29/2011" Letters written from our president, Barack Obama, to his daughters about people throughout history who have inspired him and how he can see some of the traits that made them great in them (his daughters). "
— Shelli, 5/26/2011" A beautifully written children's book with gorgeous illustrations, Of Thee I Sing focuses on many great figures from American history and the simple lessons every child can learn from them. "
— Margaret, 5/23/2011" Despite your political affiliation you will appreciate the beauty of this book that features great individuals from America's history. This is a book for all ages that shows the beauty of diversity and the value of every individual. "
— Mary, 5/18/2011" i liked the message of it "
— Claire, 5/14/2011" this book is really great. i just love the written letter to his daughters!!!! "
— Bennett, 5/10/2011" This is a fun way to look at our president. You see how he looks at his daughters and you can talk about family with you students. "
— Sarah, 4/27/2011" I loved this book. I read it to my Kindergarten students. It is a treasure for any American. "
— Linda, 4/24/2011" This is a beautiful book. It is a letter to the children of the future, telling them of all the wonderful people that make up America and are part of their heritage. It is not a political book, but is sort of patriotic. "
— Sarah, 4/22/2011" Very sweet letter to his children. This would be an inspiring book to share with a school age group. "
— Debbie, 4/21/2011" Cute story, but the illustrations especially of the American Indian child were not appropriate. Kids today should not see a American Indian child as a child with feathers on his head. We wear baseball caps and cowboy hats, and regular clothes just like everyone else. "
— Naomi, 4/20/2011Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States, elected in November 2008 and holding office for two terms. He is the author of two previous New York Times bestselling books, Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope, and the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. He graduated from Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. In addition to his work as a community organizer, he practiced as a civil rights attorney before serving three terms in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. He also taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. Obama is especially proud of being a husband and father of two daughters.
Andre Braugher (1962–2023) was an Emmy Award and Obie Award–winning actor. His film and television credits included Salt, Passengers, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and Men of a Certain Age. He was born and raised in Chicago, earned a BA degree from Stanford University and an MFA from Juilliard.