Author: Jonah Winter
Illustrator: A.G. Ford Type: Nonfiction Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books Publishing Year: 2010 Word Count: 1288-words Summary:This illustrated biography of Barack Obama focuses on his family origins and childhood.
Picture Book Element: Beginning/Ending and Pacing
I love this illustrated biography about the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.
I love the story. Jonah Winter "hooked" me immediately.
Now look at the ending. Is it satisfying? Did the author tie it in to the beginning? You be the judge.
ENDING: "Here, right here, in this country with its history of slavery and racism, an African-American named Barack Obama rose to unimaginable heights because he refused to let other people tell him who he was, because again, once again, his journey was just beginning."
* The author spoke of his journey in the beginning. And summed it up in the end. Yes, this ending is definitely satisfying.
I loved the PACING of this book. One of my favorite paragraphs which is a perfect example of pacing is:
"He arrived here during a dark time in American History. All across America, people were losing their jobs, losing their houses, losing their sense of hope.
Many people were tired of a war that had gone on too long. They were tired of fighting with their neighbors over politics. They were just tired."I loved how the author used the power of three to drive his point home - "losing their jobs, losing their houses, losing their sense of hope." And "Many people were tired...They were tired...They were just tired."
What are you reading?
Beautiful book Jackie. Certainly a great and satisfying sense if beginnings and endings. The art is luscious.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great book. I love the new nonfiction books. They are fabulous.
DeleteYes, the pacing is good here, Jackie. You get the sense of being weighed down. The people were tired and the beginning and ending do echo each other. Nice review. I am reading Lulu righ tnow - chat 1 for an early chpt. book. I jus tore the 1st chapter apart an d I am in love w/Hilary McKay's writing. She's British, I think.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good book, Kathy. And yes, you do get the sense of being weighed down. I love that this book was not about politics. I enjoyed the neutrality of this. I spoke about his family and treating the world as if he was part of a big family. I enjoyed this book.
DeleteLove your choice for Day 2 of PB 14:14, Jackie. My book today (Love, Twelve Miles Long) also shows a strong beginning and ending...great minds think alike. :) ;) And I could have very easily added Pacing...because the book employs that very effectively also.
ReplyDeleteYour post is fantastic!
I am familiar with LOVE TWELVE MILES LONG. The author was a Lee & Low New Voices Winner. The story is about young Frederick Douglas and his mother travelling twelve miles to spend time with him. What parents do for their children is amazing.
DeleteJackie, Thanks for sharing BARACK. It's interesting to see how his story is told.
ReplyDeleteI agree Manju, it is indeed.
DeleteLove the illustrations you've shared here too! Great example of how to connect a beginning and an ending, for sure.
ReplyDeleteThe illustrations are indeed amazing. I love A.G. Ford illustrations. Both books I reviewed it just happened to be he was the illustrator. I am a huge fan of his work.
DeletePacing ties in so completely with beginning/end. Thanks for sharing your insights and the book!
ReplyDeleteYes, this book had many of the elements. I am huge on hooks, satisfying ending, and pacing.
DeleteLoved the paragraphs you chose to quote. They were very helpful to SEE the beg/end and pacing in the book. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christie. This book is well written. And this author have written many nonfiction biography for children.
DeleteWhy have I not heard of this book?!?!? Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI do not know why you have not heard of this book. But I am happy to be the one who exposed it to you :) Happy Reading!
DeleteSounds like a great example of the element beginnings/endings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing it.