The schoolboy who has written a book on Obama

Jimmy Chen, 14, of Affleck Road, Greenstead, says he had no interest in politics until Obama began his successful bid for the presidency .

Since then, the book has taken over the life of the Colchester Royal Grammar School pupil.

It took Jimmy three months to write the book and four months to edit.

The Lexden Road school knew nothing about the book until Jimmy presented his headmaster with a copy of the finished version.

Jimmy said: “It just transformed the image of politics for me and I became a big Obama supporter.

“A lot has been made of his background, but I think his main virtue is he’s not like your average politician who lacks charisma.

“I had nothing to do for the Christmas holidays last year so I thought, why not write a book?”

The book follows political events in America from the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 to Obama’s inauguration in January 2009.

Jimmy’s homework for the book – on top of his usual maths and English coursework – included looking through federal election statistics, books and press reports on the subject.

Jimmy paid for 20 copies to be printed and is now looking for an publisher to take it to the mass market.

He added: “There were some chapters where I thought there wasn’t a lot to write and other chapters where I wrote too much and had to cut a lot out.”

Headteacher Ken Jenkinson was impressed with his pupil’s achievements.

Mr Jenkinson said: “I was staggered with the 400-plus page tome he presented me with.

“It is quite remarkable a 14-year-old has produced such a comprehensive analysis of the US elections. It just shows what young people are capable of if they put their minds to something.

“His burgeoning interest in politics is combined with a first-class attitude to his academic studies so he is one to watch in the future.”

Jimmy is also selling copies of the book. Anyone who would like a copy, or more information, can e-mail him at jimmyschen@hotmail.com