"Our Enduring Spirit: President Barack Obama's First Words to America" By Barack Obama (Illustrated by Greg Ruth)

This nonfiction book makes the words and message of President Barack Obama's inaugural address come to life. To many children the address may have been confusing and they might not have understood what it meant. This book, although it doesn't change any of the words that Obama said, uses illustrations to accompany and describe his intentions. The sketches and vivid colors on each page depict everything from the White House to soldiers fighting at Gettysburg to Obama's silhouette and so much more. By breaking down the address and reading it more slowly and looking at the pictures children would be able to understand the importance of it and the inspiration that it gave to many people. It also describes a lot of our nation's history: battles fought, issues overcome in our country, and sacrifices people have made to make America the country that it is today. As a teacher I could definitely see myself reading this book to my students to discuss not only the importance of the inaugural address but the historical significance of Barack Obama being elected as our President. At the end of the book the illustrator, Greg Ruth, wrote a note to the reader describing his journey with the book. I found it very inspirational and I think it explains why this is not just another book about Barack Obama.