Literature circles

1. Discuss the summary of the chapter. Use your 4 graphic organizers to help you.

2. Discuss the vocabulary that you looked up, and how it informs the story.

3. Discuss the questions about what was most interesting or confusing for you, or what parts of the story relate to your life.

1. Chapter 1 begins in 1982, just after Obama’s 21st birthday, when he learns that the father he barely knows has died in an accident. How does Obama react? What goes through his mind when he receives this news? Why do you think Obama chose to begin his book here?

2. What foreshadows Obama’s discovery of his father’s death? Why do you think this foreshadowing is here?

3. On page 8, Gramps finishes a story saying, “'Now there’s something you can learn from your dad,’ he would tell me. ‘Confidence. The secret to a man’s success.’” What do you now know about Gramps and the way he lived his life that affects your understanding of this statement? How does Obama’s father show his confidence? What about Gramps?

4. On pg. 11, Obama writes, “But would they let their daughter marry one?” Why do you think he says, “one” instead of “him”? What’s the difference?

- With a partner, role play a journalist/TV talk show host and one of Obama’s family members (Toots, Gramps, Barry, Ann).

- Plan out a 3-5 minute role play in which you ask and answer questions about the lives of Obama’s family members.

- This role play will count as one of your class participation grades and as one of three/four interactive oral grades.