Get the feedBOOKS: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
Monday, Feb 14th 2011
Editor's Note:
After reading Jill's great review, I started wondering what the descendants of those normal Americans would think about being commended by a President so many years later. I found out -- through a Google search -- not all were pleased. For example, President Obama praised Sitting Bull, who defeated Custer at Little Bighorn, by writing:
Sitting Bull was a Sioux medicine man who healed broken hearts and broken promises.
It is fine that we are different, he said. "For peace, it is not necessary for eagles to be crows."
Though he was put in prison, his spirit soared free on the plains, and his wisdom touched the generations.
This passage has caused interesting conversations. For example, should the President have even called Sitting Bull an American at all? Would he have accepted such a title? Some of his descendants do not recognize it even today, and claim the President took Sitting Bull's quotes out of context. (Apparently, he didn't have the phrase "for peace" in the above quote.) Historians also take note that calling Sitting Bull a "healer" is quite revisionist, considering the fact that he was a warrior.
And so... this book brought up a lot more than we thought when we selected it for President's Day giveaway. Do you let your kids read books written by politicians with whom you disagree? Should you? If you have read your kids the above book, would you also let them read Lynne Cheney's A Patriotic Primer? (And vice versa, for you Republicans?)
This book proves that kids' books, as well as parenting, is a little more complicated than first meets the eye. Let's discuss!
After reading Jill's great review, I started wondering what the descendants of those normal Americans would think about being commended by a President so many years later. I found out -- through a Google search -- not all were pleased. For example, President Obama praised Sitting Bull, who defeated Custer at Little Bighorn, by writing:
Sitting Bull was a Sioux medicine man who healed broken hearts and broken promises.
It is fine that we are different, he said. "For peace, it is not necessary for eagles to be crows."
Though he was put in prison, his spirit soared free on the plains, and his wisdom touched the generations.
This passage has caused interesting conversations. For example, should the President have even called Sitting Bull an American at all? Would he have accepted such a title? Some of his descendants do not recognize it even today, and claim the President took Sitting Bull's quotes out of context. (Apparently, he didn't have the phrase "for peace" in the above quote.) Historians also take note that calling Sitting Bull a "healer" is quite revisionist, considering the fact that he was a warrior.
And so... this book brought up a lot more than we thought when we selected it for President's Day giveaway. Do you let your kids read books written by politicians with whom you disagree? Should you? If you have read your kids the above book, would you also let them read Lynne Cheney's A Patriotic Primer? (And vice versa, for you Republicans?)
This book proves that kids' books, as well as parenting, is a little more complicated than first meets the eye. Let's discuss!
Congratulations to Stacy Secrest for winning this week's book giveaway! While this contest is now closed, please come back to SixSeeds for more giveaways for good, family, fun!
At SixSeeds, we believe in the power of a good story. The books our children are hearing and reading will move, inspire, and sometimes even shape their lives... even young lives. This week, we take a popular kids' book and examine it. Hopefully, the next time you're browsing though a crowded bookstore, our reviews will help you sort through the thousands of titles… and you can choose wisely!
Title: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
Author: Barack Obama
Illustrator: Loren Long
Publisher: Alfred Knopf
Cost: $10.22
Buy it: Here
With a family vacation to Washington, DC on the horizon, I head to the bookstore in search of a new book to review, as well as some resources to get the kids and I thinking about our upcoming trip. As I walk into Barnes and Nobles, I score on both fronts. Prominently displayed is the newly released book, “Of Thee I Sing”, written by The President Of the United States, Barack Obama!
Certainly a timely find -- President’s Day is right around the corner and it’s Black History Month -- I take it to the register, hoping the President has a few suggestions for what kids can do in DC.
Will the book’s pages take us on a journey through the historic landmarks that mark so much of our country’s history? Will Mr. President describe the house he resides in or what it is like when Congress is in session?
The beginning excerpt from the book hints at something different:
Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?
How the sound of your feet
Running from afar
Brings dancing rhythms to my day
How you laugh
And sunshine spills into the room?
President Obama’s book is a tender letter, in book form, to his daughters Malia and Sasha. While he doesn’t talk much about historical places, he writes of the strength of Helen Keller, the imagination of Albert Einstein, and the compassion of Jane Addams. He starts each of thirteen tributes by acknowledging a trait his own daughters possess:
Have I told you that you are an explorer?
And then the full potential of that trait is noted, through the accomplishments of an outstanding American.
A man named Neil Armstrong was the first to walk on the moon.
He watched the world from way up high
And we watched his lunar landing leaps,
Which made us brave enough
To take our own big, bold strides.
After reading this, I couldn’t help but wonder...
When Billie Holiday was a young child in music class, could she have ever fathomed that the President of the United States would one day write a book paying tribute to her? Were George Washington or Abraham Lincoln aware from a young age that their life would be so profoundly different from their peers? Did Neil Armstrong ever consider that his life’s work would be noted in a science textbook?
Unfortunately, once many young budding scientists come to the stark realization they are probably not destined to walk on the moon or change the world, they lose a good deal of their passion. How quickly age tends to do that to a person. You realize you aren’t going to be the next (scientist, musician, philanthropist, fill in the blank) and somewhere along the way we stop dreaming.
This summer when we go to DC, I hope to be a little less fixated on making sure my children see every landmark, and instead a little more inclined to stop and ponder the lives of those who made the landmarks a reality.
I don’t want my kids to stop dreaming.
Thank you, President Obama, for the timely reminder.
To Talk to Your Kids About:
This week, let’s hear from our readers the best resources that you have found to teach your children about America?
If you have taken a trip to DC with your kids, what helpful advice do you have for the rest of us?
What are the must do’s?
We are giving this book away this week! Please leave a comment for a chance to win. We always love to hear from you.
On one week from publication at noon (EST), we'll pick a name in a random drawing from all eligible entries received and send you an email notification.
Limit one (1) entry per person; NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 or older as of date of entry.
Help us get to 5,000 fans! Join us on Facebook today!
Jill Joiner
Jill Joiner is a married mom of two elementary age kids. She spends the majority of her time doing the things that moms do. She has her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University.
Comments
by susan mcphee #
Sounds like a great book! There is always more room to make our kids feel like they can have an impact and that they are part of a larger community.
by Katie #
This looks really good. I'd love to read it!
by mary jennings #
mmmmmm======
by lauradodson #
well. gulp. yes, i'd love to read this book to my 3 little boys from Uganda. i think they would love the story, plus seeing some brown children like them in a book would put a smile on their face. we'd all love it.
by Kirstin #
I'd like to win!
Have I told you that it's Lynne--with an E--Cheney? :)
Have I told you that it's Lynne--with an E--Cheney? :)
by Micah Leydorf #
Love to read the book to my boys. As for tips on what to do with kids in DC, get tickets on the Tour Mobile at Union Station (you can hop on and off at all the major tourist spots). Although it is all walkable, it will be much more enjoyable for everyone if you ride instead.
by Amy W #
Would love to share this with my little guy!
by Kari #
Sounds like a sweet book!
by Nancy Calvert #
This looks like an inspiring books for children!
by Mara #
What love this man, our President, has for his daughters!
by Connie Williamson #
He is such a good father.
by Abby #
I saw this at the bookstore last night and I didn't know anything about it. Now I wish I had taken the time to read through it as it sounds like a good one. I'll definitely pick it up next time- unless y'all would like to send it to me!
by Angela Lexmond #
A lovely, thoughtful tribute and a beautiful message to little people.
by stacy secrest #
I enjoy looking at the pictures from our trip to DC from elementary. I remember most being cold waiting to get into the White House, and the excitement of my first real train ride from DC to Lakeland. The other memories are what I have in pictures. I would like to go back now that i will remember, but can u do that with 6 kids. Who writes a book about DC on a slim budget?
by Christy #
I would love to read this book to my two. It sounds very good!
Post Your Comment
Got something to say? Join the conversation by adding your comment below. Name, email and comment are required.
Editor's Note:
After reading Jill's great review, I started wondering what the descendants of those normal Americans would think about being commended by a President so many years later. I found out -- through a Google search -- not all were pleased. For example, President Obama praised Sitting Bull, who defeated Custer at Little Bighorn, by writing:
Sitting Bull was a Sioux medicine man who healed broken hearts and broken promises.
It is fine that we are different, he said. "For peace, it is not necessary for eagles to be crows."
Though he was put in prison, his spirit soared free on the plains, and his wisdom touched the generations.
This passage has caused interesting conversations. For example, should the President have even called Sitting Bull an American at all? Would he have accepted such a title? Some of his descendants do not recognize it even today, and claim the President took Sitting Bull's quotes out of context. (Apparently, he didn't have the phrase "for peace" in the above quote.) Historians also take note that calling Sitting Bull a "healer" is quite revisionist, considering the fact that he was a warrior.
And so... this book brought up a lot more than we thought when we selected it for President's Day giveaway. Do you let your kids read books written by politicians with whom you disagree? Should you? If you have read your kids the above book, would you also let them read Lynne Cheney's A Patriotic Primer? (And vice versa, for you Republicans?)
This book proves that kids' books, as well as parenting, is a little more complicated than first meets the eye. Let's discuss!
After reading Jill's great review, I started wondering what the descendants of those normal Americans would think about being commended by a President so many years later. I found out -- through a Google search -- not all were pleased. For example, President Obama praised Sitting Bull, who defeated Custer at Little Bighorn, by writing:
Sitting Bull was a Sioux medicine man who healed broken hearts and broken promises.
It is fine that we are different, he said. "For peace, it is not necessary for eagles to be crows."
Though he was put in prison, his spirit soared free on the plains, and his wisdom touched the generations.
This passage has caused interesting conversations. For example, should the President have even called Sitting Bull an American at all? Would he have accepted such a title? Some of his descendants do not recognize it even today, and claim the President took Sitting Bull's quotes out of context. (Apparently, he didn't have the phrase "for peace" in the above quote.) Historians also take note that calling Sitting Bull a "healer" is quite revisionist, considering the fact that he was a warrior.
And so... this book brought up a lot more than we thought when we selected it for President's Day giveaway. Do you let your kids read books written by politicians with whom you disagree? Should you? If you have read your kids the above book, would you also let them read Lynne Cheney's A Patriotic Primer? (And vice versa, for you Republicans?)
This book proves that kids' books, as well as parenting, is a little more complicated than first meets the eye. Let's discuss!
by Gretchen #