Barack Obama For Beginners: An Essential Guide is the fastest and most reliable way to get up to speed on the Democratic candidate for President of the United States. It condenses the personal and political history of the first African-American nominee for his nation's highest office to provide a complete introduction to the Senator from Illinois. The text covers the candidate's family history and life experiences and beliefs, and discusses his strengths and weaknesses as a campaigner, legislator, and manager of people and resources. Entertaining illustrations enliven the reading experience and highlight important details. Barack Obama For Beginners keeps the focus on the candidate and his record — accomplishments and missteps, praise and criticism — to allow readers to draw their own conclusions.