Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan
“I always thought the biggest problem in my life was my name, Naomi Soledad León Outlaw, but little did I know that it was the least of my troubles, or that someday I would live up to it.” So opens Pam Muñoz Ryan’s swiftly moving coming-of-age tale of missing parents, dual cultures, and the meaning of family.
As in many of her novels, Ryan deals sensitively and honestly with the sometimes harsh realities of even the youngest lives. Naomi and her younger brother – physically challenged, but brilliant – live with Gram, their great-grandmother, because seven years ago, their mother abandoned the children in terrible condition. Thanks to Gram’s consistent nurturing (not to mention some serious medical care), the children and she have become a cozy family, living in a trailer named Baby Beluga, beached in Lemon Tree, southern California, surrounded by supportive friends.
Unannounced (of course), Terri Lynn – now calling herself Skyla Jones – is back, this time with a tattoo artist boyfriend named Clive. Saccharine-sweet Skyla decides she wants her kids back, and thinks she can buy their affection with Clive’s money. Naomi is initially desperate to get to know her long-missing mother, who gently braids her unruly hair and buys her trendy new outfits (so different from the polyester-remnant clothing Gram makes for both kids). But Skyla’s flimsy demeanor quickly begins to crack, and Naomi learns that her mother is still the troubled, trouble-making woman she always was … and she will stop at almost nothing to fulfill her selfish goals. Gram is not willing to risk the children’s well-being … and she will fight her own grandchild with everything she has, including deep-held secrets that will change Naomi and Owen’s lives forever. Let the wild ride (in Baby Beluga!) begin …
Reading Naomi León from a parent’s perspective will no doubt jerk the heart-strings. While much of the story is familiar – divorce wreaks havoc especially on the children, bad parents do exist, scam artists come in all shapes and sizes – Ryan’s novel is reassuring comfort that unbreakable family bonds can grow from overwhelming challenges. With encouragement from loved ones – whether family, teachers, caring friends – a child’s voice can sometimes be her strongest asset as Naomi comes into the power of her hapa Mexican name, Naomi the Lion, and ultimately learns to roar.
Readers: Middle Grade
Published: 2004
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