Grand Rapids, Mich., Oct. 2, 2008 – A new biography titled Barack Obama: An American Story (Youth Specialties/Zondervan 2008) by Bob Carlson and Ariele Gentiless explores the unlikely success story of Obama, the son of a Kenyan sheep herder and a white woman from Kansas. The book is written specifically to inspire teens and empower them to change the world regardless of their circumstances.
Carlson and Gentiless recount Obama’s youth, education and work experience and discuss how he overcame some obvious difficulties and became the first African American presidential candidate. He grew up not knowing his father and was raised by a single mother relying on food stamps to make it through each month, but today he has a legitimate chance of becoming the next president.
This up-to-date and accessible biography includes chapters about Obama’s presidential campaign and describes the sense of urgency that drives him. His inspirational story crosses party lines to inspire teens of all backgrounds, ethnicities and economic status to persevere and dream big.
Teens may not be able to vote in this election, but their voice will be heard in 2010. It’s time for our youth to concern themselves with politics so they are fully equipped in four years. Regardless of the outcome on November 4, this historic election will shape America’s future, and teens will be able to look back and see how Obama’s leadership and courage led him to the presidential campaign trial.
Barack Obama: An American Story
Barack Obama: An American Story
By Bob Carlson and Ariele Gentiless
Zondervan
9780310670032
Softcover
144 Pages
$9.99
PUB DATE: 11-14-08
About Youth Specialties
For nearly 40 years, Youth Specialties has worked alongside Christian youth workers of nearly every denomination and youth-serving organization. Each year, Youth Specialties serves more than 100,000 youth workers worldwide through training seminars and conventions, resources and the Internet. Youth Specialties produces the YS National Youth Workers Convention for more than 15,000 youth workers each fall; and in the spring hosts the a one-day training event for 20,000 youth workers. For more information, visit www.youthspecialties.com.