Booklist - Ilene Cooper

Focusing on American history, the American Graphic series uses a comic format to introduce figures that have caught people’s attention from the present and the past. Here the focus is on the last election’s new faces. Obama begins at the 2004 Democratic convention, where the future president’s speech had delegates on their feet, recognizing they were in the presence of a rising star. His rapid ascent, the presidential campaign, and the election are all covered, and there are also some nice personal bits with Michelle and his daughters. There are a few missteps, including a narrow strip that shows his parents holding hands with a red heart over them, and having Obama say, before his keynote address, that his stomach feels “grumbly,” which is not a direct quote. (Melia’s amusing comment, “Shouldn’t you try to be vice-president first?” is an example of a good way to use a quote.) Overall, this does capture the hope and excitement surrounding the election of the first African American president. Sarah Palin’s surprise ascension to vice-presidential nominee is covered completely: both the excitement she brought to the ticket as well her weaknesses are discussed. Though Sarah Palin has an uncertain future role in politics, this book leaves open the possibility of bigger things to come. Although the artwork varies in accomplishment even from panel to panel, it does capture the vigor of a political season. One excellent addition is putting actual quotes in yellow. The back matter includes a spread summing up each subject and his or her accomplishments and leads readers to facthound.org for more information.