Southwest Children's  Literature

Sun Logo


Becoming Naomi León

Book Review:

Becoming Naomi Léon tells the story of Naomi Léon, a girl who finds self-confidence during a journey that takes her from southern California to the heart of Mexico.

Naomi and her younger brother Owen live with their grandmother in the Avocado Acres Trailer Rancho in Lemon Grove, California. One day, an unexpected guest arrives at the front door-the children's mother, Skyla. Although Skyla left her children years ago, she has returned to California and begins to talk about taking Naomi to Las Vegas where they can live with her boyfriend Clyde.

Although Naomi and Owen are grateful for Skyla's attention, Gram is skeptical of their mother's true intentions. Skyla eventually notifies Gram that she plans on reclaiming full custody of Naomi, and her attitude quickly becomes mean and abrupt. Convinced that it's their last chance to keep the siblings together, Gram decides to pack up the trailer and travel to Oaxaca, Mexico where the children's father Santiago was last known to be living.

After a series of twists and turns, the group eventually finds Santiago. The man is overjoyed by the presence of his children, whom Skyla took from him so many years ago. During their visit, the children and Gram enjoy learning more about Mexican culture, especially since Oaxaca is hosting their annual radish carving festival. Santiago eventually writes a letter expressing his wish for the children to stay with Gram. He also makes the children promise to visit him in Oaxaca every Christmas.

When the group returns to California to attend the custody hearing, the judge makes it clear that unless Naomi testifies against Skyla, he has no choice but to grant the mother full legal rights. In the midst of such pressure, Naomi takes a final step of courage and speaks against the cruelty and selfishness of Skyla. Gram is given custody of the children, and Naomi celebrates her personal display of forthrightness.

Becoming Naomi Léon can be used to generate discussions about family relationships, moving past personal fears, and speaking the truth in difficult circumstances. The story also exposes U.S. readers to cultural references when the characters move to the Mexican setting. The characters and locations of this book contain a good deal of creativity (?). The amount of outward activity complements the internal transitions Naomi experiences. Readers will be able to identify not only changes in setting, but also the lessons this young girl applies to her life.

to mainpage

About the Book | Book Review | Students' Voices | About the Reviewer