Becoming – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Becoming

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018

89%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Michelle Obama's candid, inspiring journey from Chicago's South Side to the White House—a masterclass in resilience and staying real.

Becoming

book

2018

89%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Michelle Obama's candid, inspiring journey from Chicago's South Side to the White House—a masterclass in resilience and staying real.

4.8

Jump to

Also rated on

4.8

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Becoming is the real deal—a memoir that's both deeply personal and broadly inspiring. Michelle Obama doesn't sugarcoat the challenges (racism, public scrutiny, work-life balance), but she also doesn't wallow. Instead, she offers a clear-eyed look at how she navigated it all with humor, determination, and a commitment to staying grounded.

The writing is engaging and warm, making 400+ pages feel manageable. For teens, it's a masterclass in resilience and authenticity. For adults, it's a fascinating insider account of recent history plus a thoughtful reflection on identity, ambition, and family.

The adapted young readers version is a smart option for middle schoolers, but high schoolers can handle (and will appreciate) the full original. Either way, this is one of those books that sticks with you—not preachy, just honest and genuinely enriching.

Age Fit

The adapted version works for mature 10-12 year olds who are strong readers and interested in biography/history. The original is best for 14+ and adults—it's a substantial, reflective memoir that rewards patient readers. Honestly, this is one of those rare books that adults will get more from than kids, but it's still accessible and inspiring for high schoolers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Michelle Obama's memoir models resilience, authenticity, and grace under pressure. She writes candidly about balancing career and motherhood, navigating public scrutiny, and staying grounded. The tone is warm and honest without being preachy—she shares failures alongside triumphs. Her focus on raising 'down-to-earth daughters' and creating an inclusive White House demonstrates values of kindness and community.

Imaginative

While a memoir is inherently reflective rather than inventive, Obama's storytelling is vivid and engaging. She brings her South Side Chicago childhood to life with sensory details and invites readers to see the White House through fresh eyes. The 'mesmerizing storytelling' noted in reviews suggests she transforms personal narrative into something that sparks curiosity about history, politics, and possibility. Not a creative work in the traditional sense, but it opens doors to imagining different paths and perspectives.

Safe

Books are generally safe, and this memoir contains no graphic content, violence, or inappropriate material. The adapted young readers version (ages 10+) exists, but the original adult version is still appropriate for mature middle schoolers and up—it discusses racism, societal challenges, and political pressures honestly but without triggering content. The 4.8 Amazon rating and widespread acclaim suggest no major content concerns. It's a candid but measured account of public life.

Enriching

This is where Becoming truly shines. It offers practical lessons in perseverance, resilience, and defying expectations. Obama's journey from the South Side to Princeton to the White House provides concrete examples of navigating systemic barriers, building a career, and maintaining integrity. Reviews consistently note it's 'inspiring,' 'provokes deep thinking,' and makes readers 'feel seen and understood.' The book builds empathy, offers historical perspective on recent American politics, and demonstrates how one person can create meaningful change. It's both personally enriching and socially relevant.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Honest, relatable storytelling that makes readers feel seen—she shares the awkward first kiss, career doubts, and struggles balancing work and family
Practical examples of perseverance and navigating systemic barriers that teens and adults can actually learn from
Rare insider perspective on recent history, from the 2008 campaign to raising kids in the White House under media scrutiny
Models authenticity and grace—she's funny, self-aware, and doesn't pretend everything was easy or perfect
The adapted young readers version (10+) makes her story accessible to middle schoolers while the original works for high schoolers and adults

⚠

What to Watch For

Candid discussions of racism, discrimination, and political challenges—handled thoughtfully but worth previewing for younger readers
The original adult version is dense (400+ pages) and 'not an easy read' even for 10-12 year olds; consider the adapted version for middle schoolers
Some political content about the Obama administration—likely fine for most families but know it's part of the narrative

Conversation Starters

"What surprised you most about Michelle's childhood on the South Side? How did her family shape who she became?"
"She talks about feeling like she had to work twice as hard to prove herself. Have you ever felt that way? What did you do?"
"How did she balance being a mom, a professional, and eventually First Lady? What trade-offs did she make?"
"What does 'becoming' mean to you? Do you think we're always becoming something new, or do we eventually just 'arrive'?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic