Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan is by far one of my favorite books I've read. When I first sat down to read this book I wasn't sure how I was going to like it! I don't normally enjoy reading books like this but once I sat down and started reading I was instantly hooked. I love the characters in this book. Gram, Owen, and Naomi have all struggled with different things in their lives but something they all have in common is that they all look out for each other. They overcome all their obstacles and look to each for the strength they need. I sympathized with Owen because Skyla didn't want him due to the fact that he was born with a deformity. I admire his postive attitude about everything. I think it's amazing how an 8 year old boy can cope with all the things he has and still be so happy. What I loved most about Naomi was how she had lists for everthing. I also enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the novel. At first she was very shy and quiet and didn't stand up for herself and toward the end of the novel she shows what a brave person she was by standing up for herself and her family.
I think this is a wonderful story and I loved how the author incorporated Spanish into the book as well. I think it's a great way for the reader to identify with the characters a little more. I do not know much Spanish but was able to figure out what the characters were saying due to context clues. I also thought this book incorporated a lot of Mexican culture and was naturally introduced by the author. For example, a festival is held in Oaxaca at Christmastime called the Night of the Radishes. Overall, I absolutely loved reading this book and look forward to reading other books that are similar. In my opinion, it's books like this that make multiculture literature much more interesting and enjoyable to read.