Review of BECOMING NAOMI LEON

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2004. BECOMING NAOMI LEON. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439269695.

PLOT SUMMARY
Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw and her little brother Owen were abandoned by their single mother to be raised by their great grandmother. Naomi, Owen, and Gram have built a tight knit family in their little trailer at Avocado Acres Trailer Park in Lemon Tree, California. One day, seven years later, their mother suddenly appears to reconnect with her children. It soon becomes apparent that Skyla wants Naomi to live with her, as a babysitter for her boyfriend’s daughter and as an excuse for collecting money from the state for the care of a dependent. To save Naomi from a likely abusive situation, Gram, the children, and a pair of helpful neighbors leave California on a road trip to Oaxaca, Mexico to find their father, who can help settle the custody dispute.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Pam Munoz Ryan has a reputation for writing excellent books depicting Hispanic life in the United States and Mexico. She draws upon her own Mexican and Oklahoman heritages to create authentic characters, settings, and stories that give readers an insider’s view of this rich culture.

One of Ryan’s main strengths is her gift for characterization. Both the physical descriptions and personality traits of her characters seem believable and authentic. The juxtaposition of Naomi’s dark hair, skin, and eyes with Owen’s fair, blond countenance symbolically represents the children’s mixed heritage. However, while outsiders may view them as different, Naomi and Owen easily move between their two cultures and respect the strengths they receive from each. Naomi’s talent for soap carving is an acknowledged trait inherited from her father’s family. It is also worth noting that while neither child speaks much Spanish, both are warmly welcomed by their Hispanic relatives and encouraged to learn more about their Mexican heritage and customs.

Since the children and Gram, their primary caregiver, do not speak Spanish fluently, Ryan does not incorporate a great deal of Spanish in her novel. Most of the interlingual Spanish consists of familiar terms, common phrases, and family endearments that most monolingual English speakers already know. When more difficult phrases are used, the Spanish speaking character usually repeats the message in English, presumably for the benefit of Naomi and Owen. Since Ryan does not include a glossary, the literal translations also help monolingual English readers, although this makes for repetitive reading for bilingual students.

The author’s description of the different locations and cultures also help give readers an authentic look at contemporary life for Hispanics in Mexico and the United States. The first part of the story is set in California and mostly centers around the children’s Caucasian heritage from Gram, although a wide variety of other cultures are present in their neighborhood and at school. Once the family flees to Mexico in their travel trailer, Naomi and Owen not only notice the obvious differences in landscape and language between the orchards in California and the deserts of Oaxaca, they also learn more about their Hispanic heritage. Several religious and social customs are described as Naomi and Owen participate in Las Posadas and La Noche de los Rabanos. The beauty and excitement of these celebrations are enhanced with descriptions of food, clothing, and objects unique to this particular Hispanic experience.

Ryan has created an authentic story of a girl’s journey of self discovery. As Naomi searches for her father, she learns more about of her Hispanic heritage. Her experience in Oaxaca allows Naomi to embrace her father’s culture and discover her own voice. Ultimately, this awakening gives Naomi the power to shape her destiny and escape her mother’s selfish intentions. While set in the Hispanic community, this family’s struggle to stay together will be appreciated by all children.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist comments, “In true mythic tradition, Ryan, the author of the award-winning Esperanza Rising (2000), makes Naomi's search for her dad a search for identity, and both are exciting. Mom is demonized, but the other characters are more complex, and the quest is heartbreaking. The dense factual detail about the festival sometimes slows the story, but it's an effective tool for dramatizing Naomi's discovery of her Mexican roots and the artist inside herself.”

School Library Journal writes, “Ryan has written a moving book about family dynamics. While she explores the youngsters' Mexican heritage and gives a vivid picture of life in and the art of Oaxaca, her story is universal, showing the strong bonds and love that make up an extended family. All of the characters are well drawn, and readers will share Naomi's fear until the judge makes the final decision about her future.”

Reviews accessed at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0439269695/ref=dp_proddesc_0/002-8536200-8747256?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

CONNECTIONS
Other recent Pura Belpre award winners and honor books:
Bernier-Grand, Carmen T. CESAR: ISI, SE PUEDE! YES, WE CAN! Illustrated by David Diaz. ISBN 0761451722
Brown, Monica. MY NAME IS CELIA/ME LLAMO CELIA: THE LIFE OF CELIA CRUZ/LA VIDA DE CELIA CRUZ. Illustrated by Rafael Lopez. ISBN 087358872X
Canales, Viola. THE TEQUILA WORM. ISBN 0375840893
Delacre, Lulu. ARRORRO, MI NINO: LATINO LULLABIES AND GENTLE GAMES. ISBN 1584301597
Mora, Pat. DONA FLOR: A TALL TALE ABOUT A GIANT WOMAN WITH A GREAT BIG HEART. Illustrated by Raul Colon. ISBN 0375823379

Submitted by Kim