Dreams from My Father (Adapted for Young Adults): A Story of Race and Inheritance

Ages 12 And Up, Grades 7 And Up

Now in paperback, this young adult adaptation of the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir offers an intimate look at Barack Obama’s youth and self-discovery, which led him to a life of purpose and service. This compelling journey traces the 44th president's odyssey through family, race, and identity.

A revealing portrait of a young Black man asking questions about self-discovery and belonging—long before he became one of the most important voices in America. This unique edition includes an introduction from the author, full-color photo insert, and family tree. 

In this lyrical, unsentimental, and compelling memoir, the son of a Black African father and a white American mother searches for a workable meaning to his life as a Black American. When Barack Obama learns that his father—a figure he knows more as a myth than as a man—has been killed in a car accident, the sudden death inspires an emotional odyssey. The journey begins in a small town in Kansas, from which he retraces the migration of his mother’s family to Hawaii, and then moves to Kenya, where he meets the African side of his family, confronts the bitter truth of his father’s life, and at last reconciles his divided inheritance.

About the Author

Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States, elected in November 2008 and holding office for two terms. He is the author of four New York Times bestselling books: A Promised Land, Dreams from My Father, The Audacity of Hope, and Renegades, written with Bruce Springsteen. Barack Obama is the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Michelle. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Author Residence: Washington, D.C.

Author Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii