Inspiring Stories That Teach Leadership, Perseverance, and the Power of Hope
Barack Obama’s life story continues to inspire children around the world. As the first African American President of the United States, he showed that with hope, education, and determination, anything is possible. Books about Barack Obama help kids understand leadership, empathy, and the importance of using your voice to make a difference.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Barack Obama books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included reflection activities and discussion prompts to help young readers connect with his message of unity, courage, and change. Let me know which book inspires your child to dream big!
***Disclosure: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you purchase through the link from my blog. Thank you for your support!
Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Barack Obama?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Barack Obama
- 11 Barack Obama Books For Children
- What Barack Obama Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Barack Obama?
Books about Barack Obama show kids what’s possible when you believe in yourself and work hard to help others.
These stories follow his journey—from a boy raised by his mother and grandparents to a community organizer, senator, and eventually President. Through each chapter of his life, Obama’s story encourages kids to stay curious, lead with compassion, and reach for their highest potential.
Reading about Barack Obama helps children see that kindness, vision, and perseverance are powerful tools for change.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Barack Obama
Barack Obama books provide more than just history—they offer real-life lessons in courage, responsibility, and hope.
Children learn about his values: the importance of education, listening to others, and standing up for what’s right. These books also highlight his love for his family and how his identity shaped his path as a leader.
Books about Barack Obama help kids believe that their voices matter—no matter their background.
How to Use Books about Barack Obama with Children
Here are some inspiring ways to bring these stories into your home or classroom:
- 🗣️ Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What kind of leader do you think Barack Obama was? or How can we show hope and kindness like he did? Use Turn and Talk to spark peer conversations about leadership and fairness.
- 🖍️ Engage in Hope-Themed Activities: Create a “Hope Poster” with dreams for the future, write letters to leaders, make a timeline of Obama’s life, or start a classroom “Yes We Can” wall with empowering messages.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons about history, character, or civic responsibility, reference Obama’s story. Say: Remember how Barack kept working hard, even when things were tough? We can do that too.
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Encourage families to read these books together and talk about how kids can be leaders in their communities. Invite parents to share their own stories of perseverance or moments of hope.
11 Barack Obama Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Who Is Barack Obama? by Lisbeth Kaiser
🔗 View on Amazon
A simple, engaging biography for young readers introducing Obama’s journey from childhood to presidency.
Activity Suggestion: Create a timeline of important events in Barack Obama’s life.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges did Barack Obama face growing up?
- What does being a leader mean to you?
- How can you help others in your community?
#2 Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes
🔗 View on Amazon
This poetic story highlights the hope Obama brought to America through the eyes of a curious young boy.
Activity Suggestion: Write a “letter of hope” for your future self or a friend.
Discussion Questions:
- What does “hope” mean to you?
- How did Barack Obama inspire others?
- What would you ask him if you could?
#3 Barack Obama by Mary Nhin
🔗 View on Amazon
A motivational story that focuses on Obama’s mindset and determination, part of the “Mini Movers and Shakers” series.
Activity Suggestion: Make a “goals list” like Obama might have done as a child.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it important to believe in yourself?
- What goal would you like to achieve this year?
- How can determination help you succeed?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Barack Obama: Out of Many, One by Shana Corey
🔗 View on Amazon
Celebrate Obama’s presidential journey and message of unity in this accessible picture book.
Activity Suggestion: Create a collage showing people and places from around your country.
Discussion Questions:
- What does “Out of Many, One” mean?
- How did Obama bring people together?
- Why is teamwork important in leadership?
#5 Barack Obama by Caroline Crosson Gilpin
🔗 View on Amazon
A National Geographic reader with real photos and facts that help kids learn more about Obama’s life.
Activity Suggestion: Research and present 3 fun facts about Obama.
Discussion Questions:
- What was Obama’s job before becoming president?
- What do you think makes a good leader?
- What did you learn from his story?
#6 Who Is Barack Obama? by Roberta Edwards
🔗 View on Amazon
Part of the popular “Who Was?” series, this book gives detailed background about Obama’s upbringing and presidency.
Activity Suggestion: Draw a book cover that represents what you learned about him.
Discussion Questions:
- What inspired Barack Obama to run for office?
- What was something new you learned from this book?
- How can you make a difference too?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Barack Obama by Frank Berrios
🔗 View on Amazon
A bright and bold beginner biography perfect for preschoolers learning about historical figures.
Activity Suggestion: Make a “leader badge” with your own qualities as a leader.
Discussion Questions:
- What is something kind Barack Obama did?
- What makes someone a hero in real life?
- What do you dream of doing when you grow up?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Story of Barack Obama by Tonya Leslie PhD
🔗 View on Amazon
A biography that’s great for early readers who want a deeper look into Obama’s life.
Activity Suggestion: Write a mini biography about someone who inspires you.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes Obama’s story unique?
- What obstacles did he overcome?
- What does this story teach you?
#9 Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
🔗 View on Amazon
Written by Obama himself, this touching book celebrates the qualities of heroes through a letter to his daughters.
Activity Suggestion: Write a letter to someone who encourages you.
Discussion Questions:
- What kind words would you say to your future self?
- Which hero in the book was your favorite?
- Why is kindness important?
#10 Laughing with Obama by M. Sweeney
🔗 View on Amazon
A light-hearted look at funny and uplifting moments from Obama’s presidency.
Activity Suggestion: Draw a comic strip about something silly a president might do.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it good for leaders to laugh sometimes?
- What’s something funny that made you feel better?
- How can humor help during tough times?
#11 Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza
🔗 View on Amazon
Though geared toward older readers, this photo-rich book offers a powerful visual tribute to Obama’s time in office.
Activity Suggestion: Create your own “presidential day” photo album.
Discussion Questions:
- What do these pictures tell you about being president?
- How do images help tell a story?
- What’s your favorite image and why?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Barack Obama Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Barack Obama books for kids remind us that hope is not just a feeling—it’s something we create through action, learning, and heart. These stories inspire kids to believe in their power to lead, help, and lift others up.
Which book will inspire your young reader to dream boldly and lead kindly? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite reads, drawings of future leaders, or “Yes We Can” classroom creations!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
* * *
Other Blog Posts That You Might Enjoy:
- 15 Minutes Daily Social And Emotional Learning Activities For The Classroom (SEL Made Easy)
- How To Offer Growth Mindset Praise Effectively
- 3 Activities To Introduce Growth Mindset
