Becoming Naomi León

Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan.
Youth Fiction - Lower Level - RYAN

Naomi Soledad León Outlaw is an 11 year old girl who loves to make lists and carve animals out of soap. She is part Mexican/part American, and she lives with her great grandma and younger disabled brother, Owen, in a trailer in Lemon Tree, California. Naomi knows life could be better, but she is content living with her loving Gram and her sweet little brother Owen.

One day the children’s mother, Skyla, comes to visit them. From that moment on, Naomi and Owen’s lives are never the same. At first, Naomi is thrilled about meeting her absent mother. However, as time passes, Naomi is awakened to all that Skyla is as a person: unstable, selfish, and immature. Unfortunately Skyla and her new unfriendly boyfriend, Clive, want to take Naomi to live in Las Vegas. Naomi is horrified and begs Gram to keep her safe. Gram promises that she will go to the ends of the earth to protect her, and she does. Soon the whole family ends up in Mexico to find the children’s father because they need his help for the ensuing custody battle.

In Mexico, new adventures await as the family fights to stay together. Will the Outlaw family find peace and stability? Will Naomi and Owen meet their long lost father again? Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan is a heartfelt and feel-good novel that shows the progression of Naomi as a shy and uncertain girl into a more self assured young woman. I recommend this novel, which is a 2005 ALA Notable Book, to all who enjoy happy endings!