At 10, NC boy inspired by Obama's rise

Gary Hooker Jr., 10, accompanied his mother, a North Carolina delegate, to the Democratic National Convention in Denver in 2008. He kept a journal of his experience that, at 14, he has published as a book.

Hooker was inspired and impressed by his opportunity, and he chronicles it in "Gary Sees History." A family friend provided the book's illustrations. 

Hooker was at Invesco Field on Aug. 28, 2008, to hear Barack Obama accept his party's nomination. "All of a sudden the stadium got very quiet," Hooker wrote. "Barack Obama walked to the stage and he waved to everyone. What noise!"

The memory of a history-making night is fresh and emotional for Hooker, who is now a high school freshman. He says he hopes his book helps others – young people and adults – to realize that everyone can dream and believe in themselves. 

As for his big dreams, Hooker foresees a return to the political arena, possibly as a delegate himself. "I think it would be cool representing my state and everybody in it to make the next president become the next president," he said.

Asked if he'd ever run for office, the teen did not rule it out. "I like being a leader," he said.