Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers

Becoming is Michelle Obama’s deeply personal memoir that chronicles her journey from a modest upbringing on the South Side of Chicago to becoming the First Lady of the United States. The book offers an intimate look at her challenges, triumphs, and the life lessons she learned along the way, emphasizing themes of The Role of Family, The Importance of Believing in Oneself, and Balancing Personal and Professional Life. In 2022, Michelle Obama followed this memoir with The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, a self-help book intended to help readers through the challenges of life in the 21st century.

This guide refers to the 2021 Penguin Random House edition, Adapted for Young Readers.

Summary

In Becoming, Michelle Obama reflects on her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the roles of family, identity, and balance in shaping her life. This guide is divided into three parts: Part 1 covers the Preface and Chapters 1 through 8, Part 2 includes Chapters 9 through 18, and Part 3 addresses Chapters 19 through 24, and the Epilogue.

In Part 1, Michelle recounts her early life in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago, detailing her formative experiences within a close-knit, hardworking family. She describes the influence of her strict yet supportive great-aunt Robbie, who instilled in her a love for piano and the importance of excellence, and her parents, who fostered her love for reading, art, and music while navigating the challenges of a changing, racially segregated America. Michelle reflects on her school years, where she develops resilience and determination, particularly in overcoming challenges such as a counselor doubting her potential to attend Princeton. As she transitions to high school and later Princeton University, Michelle navigates the complexities of identity, race, and belonging in predominantly white environments. Through personal losses, her brother’s protective nature, and her own drive for success, she continues to strive for balance between her personal and professional aspirations, culminating in her early career as a lawyer in Chicago and the beginnings of her relationship with Barack Obama. Part 1 lays the foundation for Michelle’s evolving identity, marked by the tension between societal expectations and her inner drive to define success on her own terms.

In Part 2, Michelle explores the evolution of her relationship with Barack Obama and the significant events that shaped their personal and professional lives together. The narrative begins with Michelle reflecting on her deepening connection with Barack, highlighting their shared values and commitment to making a difference in society. As their relationship progresses, they experience the challenges of balancing their individual career ambitions with their growing bond. Michelle details her struggles with career dissatisfaction as a lawyer and her search for more meaningful work, which leads her to a role in public service under the mentorship of Valerie Jarrett. This section of the book also delves into the emotional challenges Michelle faces, including the loss of her father, Fraser Robinson, which impacts her outlook on life and work.

As the story unfolds, Michelle recounts her marriage to Barack and their journey as a couple navigating the demands of his burgeoning political career. She describes the joys and trials of their early married life, including her shift from corporate law to nonprofit work and the eventual birth of their daughters, Malia and Sasha. The later chapters focus on Barack’s political ascent, culminating in his run for the US Senate and eventual decision to pursue the presidency. Throughout, Michelle emphasizes the tension between public life and personal priorities, detailing her efforts to maintain stability for her family while supporting Barack’s political ambitions. The memoir highlights Michelle’s role in the campaign, her initial reluctance toward a presidential run, and the historic moment of Barack’s election, which brought both overwhelming joy and a new set of challenges as they prepared to step into the global spotlight. Part 2 captures the journey of partnership, resilience, and the shared vision that defines Michelle and Barack’s life together.

In the final part of her memoir, Michelle reflects on her experience as First Lady, focusing on the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role. She discusses the transition into the White House, the pressure of being the first Black First Lady, and her efforts to balance personal life with public duties. Michelle emphasizes her initiatives like supporting military families, promoting healthy eating through the White House Garden, and launching the “Let’s Move!” campaign to combat childhood obesity. She also shares the emotional and political challenges faced during Barack’s presidency, including public scrutiny, political opposition, and significant events, such as the 2012 re-election and the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. As their time in the White House ends, Michelle reflects on their legacy, her advocacy for girls’ education with the “Let Girls Learn” initiative, and the personal growth she experienced. The Epilogue highlights her feelings of pride and sadness as they leave the White House, while also emphasizing that “becoming” is an ongoing journey of evolution and self-improvement.