This book was quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read...including books on my own age level. I'm so glad I was able to read this, because it spoke to me on so many levels. Naomi Leon is everything I wish I could have been as a child. She was put through so much, yet came out "roaring like a lion." Gram Before I read this book, I read what our blog responses needed to include..so as as I read, I kept looking for evidence of the Mexican culture. For a while, I wondered if I was missing something. Then, after they all got to Oaxaca, I got drawn into the Mexican culture. Honestly, I didn't even associate the Mexican culture with Naomi, Owen, Gram, or Skyla, until they reached Oaxaca. Throughout the entire book, I loved the way Ryan always translated any spanish saying into english. Any student reading this book will learn so much about the spanish language..just by reading the dialogue. In the second half of the book, while they are down in Oaxaca, you learn many things about the Mexican culture. You learn types of food they eat, how they shop, the lay of the land, and ways they celebrate the holiday. For example, when Naomi goes with the girls to "el mercado," you really get a feel of what shopping in a Mexican supermarket is like. You picture all kinds of vegetables and spices set up in each little area where the people come to sell it. One thing I really enjoyed about this book, was the fact the Ryan naturally incorporates so much information into the storyline. You learn so much about the culture of Mexico, but you don't even realize it. While so many multicultural books may seem bland and more focused on facts and information, this book has such a interesting and catching storyline, that you just can't stop reading...and while you're reading, you're learning so much. All the information is integrated naturally into the text. One major thing I noticed as I read was the detail she used. Naomi always described how she felt with so much detail. "It was as if the stampede crashed through the wall in front of me." The vivid language Ryan uses throughout the book just really captures the reader and provides so much imagery.
Overall, this book has just inspired me to always speak up, no matter how soft I think my voice may be. So many young kids go through what Naomi and Owen went through, and it's so nice knowing there's a piece of literature out there for kids to read and cope with. I think my favorite part of the whole book, was realizing that when Santiago wasn't able to make it to carve for the festival, Naomi was able to fulfill the tradition. I almost teared up when I read that part. I only wish he could have moved back to California with them. I can't wait to discuss this book with the rest of the class.