Can i just say i am in love with this author! I have read two of her books and i cant seem to put them down. Becoming Naomi Leon is a heart-wrenching book that has emotions flowing from every page. So many kids can relate to this story, and its not boring its a real page-turning. The meaning behind each character is perfect. They all have flaws or depressions but they still try and fight against the odds and find the happiness in everything. Owen, Naomi's little brother, is so strong and forgiving and truly portrays a little innocent boy. He reminds us when we were young that life was simple and to always smile! Naomi who matured so much through this novel, never realized how lost she was until she found her way. (if that makes any sense). She has so many questions and she is determined to seek the answers. As in she took the phone book and started calling all the Leon. I want to go and hit Skyla!! I wish in the end she would get some sense knocked into her but she continued to be a conceited person. She would only look at the flaws of her own son, Owen, and not truly see what amazing talents he has to offer. I was so angry whenever she was around! Then there was Gram, that i feel was only alive because of Owen and Naomi. She was frail but she strong-hearted and nothing could break her, not even her own daughter Skyla. This book was an amazing Multicultural book because it used Spanish within the text by distinguishing it with italics, and it showed some traditions of Mexico. Even through Spanish was within the text it flowed very well because she would translate it in the sentence! The only stereotype that i think it did not avoid was the fact that Mexicans tend to be poor and have a hard life. But i do not think this book put any bad image on the Mexican race. I am not sure if Ryan wrote with an insiders perspective of outsiders perspective but if i would have to pick one i would choose outsiders. This is because the main character, Naomi, is not accustom to Mexican culture. Yes she is half Mexican but she has never been around Mexican culture. The author does use language authentically because she using language that commonly use between the two cultures. The traditions of Mexico are all throughout the novel and the main one is the squash carving contest! This is integrated so nicely from the beginning of the novel when we learn Naomi likes to carve soap!! This is just a well constructed piece of work that captivated me so much!