Author Biography

Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in history. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

Table of Contents

A keynote address -- Headlines from Obama's childhood -- Obama's early years -- Headlines from Obama's teen years -- Education of a young man -- Headlines from Obama's early Chicago years -- In the community -- Headlines from Obama's Harvard years and return to Chicago -- Harvard and back -- Headlines from Obama's time in the Illinois senate -- The world of politics -- Headlines from Obama's first years in the U.S. Senate -- Senator Obama -- Headlines from Obama's time as a presidential candidate -- Making history.

Review

The biography Barack Obama follows the president from birth in inauguration day 2009, describing his life in eight chapters. The reader learns about "Barry" as the child and student, as a high-achieving law student and community organizer, as civil rights attorney and as a politician through well-chosen pictures, anecdotes and quotes from Obama and those who know him. An effective concept in biographical writing, the "Front-Page Lives" series uses news headlines from eras in a well-known person's life to give context to that person's achievements. -Omaha Public Schools 2/2/2011-- "Omaha Public Schools"
Focusing on headline makers from the past 20 years or so, this series does not shy away from the controversial topics that are part of what make this grouping of people noteworthy. The subjects' lives are presented with depth and breadth and in such a way as to make clear how their actions impacted the world and why they are or were so important. Headlines and short descriptions of events from various years of the newsmakers' lives begin each chapter and provide context for their actions and motivations. The writing is accessible and engaging, with color and black-and-white photographs and (except in Obama and Gates) color maps complementing the text. Bhutto and bin Laden are particularly good choices as they offer provocative, compelling information about people whose personal stories are not often told. The other books are solid additional purchases. Recommended--Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA School Library JournalNovember 2009-- "School Library Journal"
Through text and photographs, the life of each subject is portrayed from early childhood. Each chapter, focusing upon a period in the subject's life, is preceded by photographs and textual information identifying concurrent events during that period. Students interested in influential individuals would find the entire series filled with pertinent details and factual accounts regarding the impact specific leaders have on twenty-first century social and political events. Each book concludes with a timeline, glossary, bibliography, additional reading, and websites an interested reader could consult for further information. Recommended--Cynthia Schultz, PhD, Library Media Specialist, Cedarcrest Middle School, Marysville, Washington Library Media Connection March/April 2010-- "Library Media Connection"

Review Quote

Through text and photographs, the life of each subject is portrayed from early childhood. Each chapter, focusing upon a period in the subject's life, is preceded by photographs and textual information identifying concurrent events during that period. Students interested in influential individuals would find the entire series filled with pertinent details and factual accounts regarding the impact specific leaders have on twenty-first century social and political events. Each book concludes with a timeline, glossary, bibliography, additional reading, and websites an interested reader could consult for further information. Recommended--Cynthia Schultz, PhD, Library Media Specialist, Cedarcrest Middle School, Marysville, Washington Library Media Connection March/April 2010

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