Random House sold over 16,000 copies of this book, published in 2007 by For Beginners books. It remains the best selling title in the 24-year history of the For Beginners series. An expanded and revised 2009 Presidential Edition included extensive notes.

From the publisher: ”Barack Obama For Beginners: An Essential Guide is the most concise and reliable short biography available on the 44th President of the United States — from his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, education at Columbia and Harvard, work as a community organizer, writer, teacher, lawyer, and politician in Illinois, to his historic campaign for President. Barack Obama For Beginners keeps the focus on the man and his record — accomplishments and missteps, praise and criticism — to allow readers to gain a balanced understanding of President Obama as they follow his rise to the White House. Entertaining illustrations enliven the reading experience and highlight important details."

The book has been spotted for sale from Morningside Heights in New York City to a street market in Cairo, Egypt. It is available as an audiobook, and in a licensed Russian translation.