Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers

How does Michelle’s experience as a Black woman at Princeton University shape her understanding of race, identity, and privilege? Discuss her use of these experiences to critique the broader dynamics of higher education in America. Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How does Becoming address the issue of gender inequality, both in Michelle’s personal experiences and in her broader advocacy work? What strategies does she propose for overcoming these challenges?

Michelle speaks candidly about feeling like an outsider at various points in her life. How does she grapple with this feeling, and how does it shape her approach to building inclusive communities?

In Becoming, Michelle reflects on her African American heritage and the legacy of her ancestors, underscoring The Role of Family in her memoir. How does she use these reflections to frame her experiences in the White House and her approach to public service?

How does Michelle’s early career in law influence her later decisions to transition into public service and community work? What factors motivate her shift from a traditional legal career to roles that align more closely with her personal values?

How does Michelle use her platform as First Lady to advocate for social change? What strategies does she employ, and how does she balance her personal beliefs with the expectations placed on her by the public and the media?

How does the memoir explore the impact of the Obama presidency on Michelle’s sense of self and her understanding of her role in American society? How does she reconcile her personal identity with her public persona to embrace Balancing Personal and Professional Life?

How does Michelle depict the evolution of her marriage to Barack Obama over the years, particularly during their time in the White House? What challenges and growth does she highlight, and how do these experiences reflect broader themes of partnership and sacrifice?