Dream Big Dreams

January 1, 2018

Gr 4-6-An archive of historical and candid photographs snapped during President Barack Obama's two terms in office. Former chief White House photographer Souza provides young people with a glimpse of Obama's presidential legacy and tells a behind-the-scenes story of a leader who made time to engage with kids, encouraging them to "Dream big dreams." Souza commemorates eight years of hope and change through 75 iconic images. The inclusion of key historical moments and the red, white, and blue palette complement and enhance the overall patriotic design. The work ends on an upbeat note, with sections "Have Fun" and "Dream Big Dreams" filled with images of Obama with his family and with children. Overall, the book effectively communicates the lasting human and emotional impression of Obama's presidential legacy. VERDICT A powerful and intimate photo diary of President Obama that will empower onlookers to "be their best and do their best."-Angelina Bair, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, OH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Former official White House photographer Souza (Obama: An Intimate Portrait, 2017) pares his extensive collection documenting former President Barack Obama's two terms in office.However, instead of offering a coffee-table book for kids, Souza organizes the pictures under life-lesson-themed chapters, such as "Be Kind and Respectful," "Work Hard," and "Show Compassion." And the pictures visually capture Obama living by these words, from intimate moments with his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Malia and Sasha, to the tapestry of humanity he encountered in his travels in the U.S. and around the globe, such as meeting a girl in Malaysia, sitting in the bus seat from which Rosa Parks kickstarted the civil rights movement, and shaking Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's hand before her swearing-in ceremony. Souza states, "Along the way, I became his friend. And he became my friend." Readers see the lensed empathy borne of that friendship, even as Souza captures the deeply historic moment his friend embodies. The book reminds readers of the deeper import of Obama's presidency, as evidenced by the now-famous photo of the young black boy touching Obama's hair to discover it is "just like his."Souza has given a hopeful gift for the generations: a keeper. (Nonfiction. 5-12)

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