RE_3240_104

This was a great book. I really admire the way Pam Munoz Ryan wrote this book. The entire book is so real. It is written using everyday language and situations that aren’t sugar coated. What I appreciated most about this book is the ending. Children’s literature tends to end in an overly happy, not so realistic way. This book on the other has a happy, but realistic ending. Pam Munoz Ryan could have made the ending to be the stereotypical everyone wins ending. In that ending Naomi, Owen, and Gram would have all moved down to Mexico and started a family with Santiago, which by then would have fallen in love with Graciela. Instead Ryan chose to have Naomi and Owen stay with Gram in Lemon Tree with the possibility of visiting their dad whenever they can on the holidays. It even mentions the possibility that Skyla could come back one day and try again for custody of Naomi. But none of the characters worry themselves with that aspect and they all focus on how lucky they are that things turned out the way they did. Ryan also does a great job of adding Mexican culture into the story. Half of the conversations towards the end of the book are in Spanish and repeated in English. While Naomi is learning Spanish in the story, the readers are learning Spanish as well. There are a few parts in the story, especially at the end when the font changes to italics and it is solely Naomi’s thoughts. To me these seemed like checkpoints in the book. They provided a chance for the reader to step back and think about what all had happened so far and how it might unravel in the future of the story. They also help provide insight into Naomi’s deepest thoughts. Ryan was also successful in creating two believable, hateable, villains, in Skyla and Clive. I began disliking Clive when he ruined Naomi’s soap sculpture. I REALLY began to dislike Skyla when she showed her preference towards Naomi and distaste for Owen. The way she shunned Owen and tried to change him made me furious, especially when she takes him to the hospital and gets mad that the doctors can’t do anything more to help him. Who does she think she is? Any reader can tell that Owen is 100 times more lucky, smart, and happy than Skyla is or will ever be. The fact that Skyla can’t appreciate the joy Owen would bring to her life makes it easy to extremely dislike her. Naomi described her perfectly saying, “It was funny how she was nice in a mean way, and mean in a nice way.” But overall I’d say this was a great book because of its 1)great characters 2)realistic plot line 3)multicultural elements 4)Naomi’s lists.

When I first started reading Becoming Naomi Leon, I had no clue what to expect. Even halfway through the book I still could not quite understand what the title meant. After reading the book I now know exactly what the title means. Naomi finally became the person she was truly meant to be after experiencing the trip, her mother, and her father. Becoming Naomi Leon was a fantastic book. I enjoyed reading it very much and could not put it down. Pam Munoz Ryan did a great job of writing a good multicultural literature. Throughout the book Ryan added many things that portrayed Naomi’s culture. She explained where she came from, what she looked like, and some of their customs in a way that let the reader understand where she was from which was Mexico. For instance on pg. 11, Ryan explains Naomi as having wild mop hair and her predisposition to brown-ness which was the colors of her eyes, hair, and skin. She took after the Mexican side of her family according to her features. There are definitely not any stereotypes of Mexicans in the book. All references of Naomi coming from Mexico were informational, for example where her name came from, or the traditions of her family. I thought Ryan used language very authentically. Every time a person would speak in Spanish the Spanish words were written but then right beside the word would be the English translation for instance on pg. 181, “ He has las candelas, the torches.” The Spanish words were also italicized which drew the readers attention to notice the word. I really enjoyed reading Becoming Naomi Leon. Naomi was such a brave and courageous young girl. This book introduced many things to children such as parental problems, guardians, sticking up for oneself, self prophecy, and heritage. The relationship between Naomi, Owen, and their Gram was touching. A reader could tell how close they all were and how important the children were to Gram. It astounds me to still think of how mean their mother was to Owen and how she treated Naomi and their grandmother. I loved the fact that Naomi and Owen got a chance to meet their father and how Naomi got the chance to realize how much they had in common. She was able to find out where her talent of carving came from and why it meant so much to her. Naomi really grew up throughout the book and was able to speak up for what she believed in. She became Naomi the Lion.

I thought this was a great book that would appeal to children from all different backgrounds since they could sympathize with Naomi and Owen. It was such an emotional book that revealed all the changes a young girl can go through as she grows up. It was a great way to show how Naomi could learn about her family and herself during such hard times. It was also a story of hope about how life is what you make it. I also thought this theme was portrayed through Naomi’s soap carvings and Santiago’s explanation that you have the let the soap be what it will is held on the inside as well as using your imagination. He also taught her that nothing is lost you just have to make it something else instead, like when she cut the leg off the dog she was carving and thought she had messed it up. I also thought another great example of this was on page 186 when Naomi and the whole group were walking home from Los Posados and she envisioned the people who cared about her as her family even when she wasn’t actually related to most of them. It was also really refreshing to see how these children knew so little about their Mexican heritage but were able to learn from their neighbors and from their family vacation. I also thought the relationship between Owen and Naomi was a great one because she loved him no matter what. They were so supportive of each other and didn’t fight like most brothers and sisters. But I think they got along so well because they clung to each other, and Gram, so tightly because they felt like they had already lost so much in their lives and did not want to drive anyone else away.
I think this was a great multicultural book because there were so many examples of the meshing of Mexican and American culture within the book. This could be seen in the way that Fabiolo and Bernardo lived their lives. They still had a strong connection to their Mexican roots while living in America and conforming to the way of life in California. You were also able to understand the different examples of culture from the way that it was explained to Naomi and then we got to experience the events with her and hear about how they made her feel when she was learning about her father’s culture. I also thought the book had great accurate examples and it was great to see Spanish words incorporated in the book. The examples of the celebrations and Mexican holidays were also great details included in this book. Ryan wove them into the story through the experiences of Naomi instead of forcing their explanations. I did not think that this book was stereotypical because it portrayed people in a variety of different ways. It didn’t seem that all of those of Mexican descent were portrayed in a certain way because they all had their own ideas, values and lifestyle. It was also a good example of a multicultural book because Ryan used authentic language and examples of Spanish so that a young reader could learn more about the language.

"I hoped my father was right, that like the figures we carved from wood and soap, I was becoming who I was meant to be, the Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw of my wildest dreams." This book is all about what it means to discover who you are as a person and to grow significantly through building relationships and going in search of the unexpected. Naomi's character reminds me of myself when I went through that phase of discovery and acceptance of who I am. As I read through the novel I had no idea what to expect, and ended up being mesmerized by the quality of the plot and character development. This is a coming of age story perfect for the intended upper elementary age group. Naomi discovers the meaning of love and acceptance, which is what every child is searching for in life. Early adolescents struggle with the concept of acceptance and often look for guidance in how to pursue their dreams. Naomi's character shows what its like to go through hardships while in search of her family unit, and she learns a great deal about herself, which she ends up coming to terms with by the end of the book. Naomi's brother also struggles with acceptance, as he is born with deformities that lose the affection of his mother. The bravery and determination of both Naomi and her brother show positive examples of how to deal with situations when you are viewed as different, by choosing your own unique path and sticking to it. Overall, I think this is one of my favorite books from this semester.

I absolutely loved this book! Naomi transformed from a once shy and "outsider" child into a strong and confidant friend, sister, and great grandchild. Naomi stood up for herself and what she believed in when it mattered the most, and she came out of her shell at exactly the right time. When the trial was being conducted and the judge was trying to make the final decision, Naomi stood up and proved to the judge that being in her mother's care was not the best place for her to live. Naomi is a girl that is very talented, and she is a girl that has many layers that are waiting to be exposed to the world. Give her a chance to open up, and you will be surprised at what is hiding behind that soft and timid voice. I also believe that the author, Pam Ryan, did an excellent job presenting cultural details, and presenting them naturally as well in the book. The inclusion of the annual La Noche de los Rabanos is an excellent example of integrating cultural details naturally. The festival was presented just as naturally as a Christmas tradition or even a chili cook off competition would be introduced in southern culture. The festival was of great importance to the Leon family, and the inclusion of the festival was a tie to Naomi's father Santiago. This festival and the tie to Santiago also could explain Naomi's talent with soap carving that the reader sees evident throughout the book. I also feel that the author writes with an insider perspective. The author has a mixture Spanish, Mexican, Basque, Italian and Oklahoman background; therefore I believe that she portrays the Mexican cultural aspects authentically, being that she has some Mexican background. I also believe that she portrays the language authentically in the book. Although I do not claim to be fluent in Spanish, I believe that she used the language very effectively, especially for a mostly English speaking audience. The author was also raised in California, which would give her an insider perspective being that she knows a lot about the setting that she was writing about. I also feel that the author uses details accurately, and I feel that this avoids stereotypes because the majority of stereotypes are false. By presenting details accurately, the "real" picture of the culture is presented, and thus for the stereotype is eliminated. The author avoids the stereotype that Mexican or Hispanic individuals are violent and dangerous by providing details about the La Noche de los Rabanos. Everyone was walking down the streets celebrating going from door to door to try new foods and celebrate the unity in the community. The author did not mention any deaths or casualties, and I would believe that during a time of celebration the community would be excited and loving not angry and hate driven. Once again I loved this book! An excellent multicultural book!

Becoming Naomi Leon was an amazing, heartfelt book. I absolutely loved reading this book. At times I found it hard to put down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of writing this book. She paced the plot and events in the story just right. All girls Naomi's age face a lot when growing up. Society can make us view ourselves "as nobody special." Throughout the story Gram, really did a wonderful job of helping Owen and Naomi feel special and proud to be who they were. I really liked how the author incorporated their heritage into this book. She was able to throw in a lot about the Mexican culture without making the reader feel they were reading a boring informational text. Another aspect I liked was how the culture was never viewed in a negative or derogatory way. It was their heritage after all that became Naomi, Owen, and Gram's saving grace. Again, the story was written in a manner so that just when everything seemed hunky dory something would pop up and interfere with everyone's lives. A lot of children this day and time are raised by their grandparents and even some by their great-grandparents because their parents didn't want to or couldn't raise them for some reason. The author incorporates the many questions children have when growing up without their parents and the many emotions that they face. When their parents do show and want their children for purposes other than love and only for monetary or other reasons it can make a child feel unwanted or insecure. However, Gram always found a way to ease Naomi and Owens fears. I also like how this book makes Owen the happy, jolly kid instead of the depressed kid because he is unique. It shows children that just because your different doesn't mean you can't do what everyone else can, just sometimes in a different way. Overall, I felt this was an excellent multicultural book that any upper elementary child would love to read. As the quote I used says that Naomi has "many layers." She started off shy as a turtle but blossomed into a brave, curious, and talented lion.

I feel like this quote on page 136 embodies everything Naomi Outlaw has learned and has become throughout this story. She has become a believer. She never stopped believing for one minute that she would find her father. In Ch. 4 of the Temple Text it says that one value a good multicultural book holds is the ability to "elicit thinking about ourselves and our world". While reading "Becoming Naomi Leon" I felt that through her struggles I was considering what it would be like if I were her. We all have struggles in our lives, but I feel that not knowing your father and having a mother who only wants you for personal gain is a struggle no child should ever have to go through. Thinking about this aspect in terms of education I began to realizet that I will probably have many students whose situations will be similar, if not worse, than Naomi's, and it makes me sad. I feel that even though my parents divorced when I was little, I was never without enough love. Luckily, Naomi had the love of her Gram, her brother Owen, her father, and her neighbors. Because Naomi is surrounded by people she loves and who loves her back, this helps her to continue to believe. Even at the end, she still wonders what it would be like to have her mother there with her all the time. She still longs for her mother's touch and this, I feel, is the greatest strength in Naomi. She has the ability to see past all her mother has done to her, and consider the things her mother can do for her. She still loves her, which is something that would be very hard for me to do. I commend Naomi in this and I feel that all students would see this in her as well. Naomi will be an amazing role model for all of her readers; she has surely become one for me.

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!

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.

First of all, I would like to say that I absolutely loved this book. The true spirit of a child is captured in this book. Owen and Naomi portray the ideas of hope, love, and innocence. The reason that I chose this quote was because I felt as if I would react the same way as Naomi did in this part of the book. My father left when I was young and I still have not seen, talked to, or know where he is. I can relate to Naomi in so many ways. The emotions that she felt through this book were some and are some of the same ways I felt/feel. This part stood out to me the most due to the fact that I imagine what the day will be like when I see my dad, pure shock and another feeling that is not quite describable with words. I felt it as I read. Knowing the curiosity that is felt about that person, the feeling of void, and the idea of being wanted by someone who created you. The life struggles that are presented in this book are going to be similar to the struggles the children in the classroom may be having, so by reading this book it can really help children understand that their are many sides to every story, and that thinking positive is the best way to move from one day to the next. My grandmother always told me "that everything will work out for the best, just pray."
As for the multicultural aspect of this book, it is packed with the Hispanic culture and it is portrayed in a non-stereotypical way. I believe that all of the Hispanic culture that was portrayed in the book was informational and very interesting. I loved the things that the author included about family traditions. (Eating as a family, radish carving, singing, and the giving personality of the Hispanic people) The Spanish that was used flowed wonderfully with the text and always gave the meaning of the words in the context clues. This book is great to use when learning about the Hispanic culture because it includes many traditions and beliefs. (Los Posados page 176, La Noche de los Rabanos page 93, Nuestra Senora de la Soledad page 215) This book was definitely my favorite and I can’t wait to read some more of Pam Munoz Ryan’s books.

I absolutely loved this book. At first it took me a while to get in to but after picking it up for the second time I honestly couldn't put the book down. I feel like this is a book so many kids can relate to. Luckly I didn't come from a family background like Naomi but so many children do. When children can relate to this book they will become so much more involved. I couldn't stand Skyla. In the beginning was hoping that she had changed but obviously she hadn't. I started disliking her when she didn't like Owen just because he was different but I disliked her even more when she hit Naomi. I was really excited when Naomi and Owen finally found their father and that he was a good guy. I was hoping in the end that Naomi, Owen, and Gram would be able to move to Mexico and live with Santiago but that would be the fairy tale ending and most of the time in real life things don't end the fairy tale way. I loved how Naomi changed from the mouse to the lion in the end. I can see myself in her in that way. When I was younger I was the mouse and over the years I have become more of a lion. Pam Munoz Ryan does a great job of presenting the cultural details authentically. She naturally integrates the festival at Christmas into the story. She has a Spanish, Mexican, Basque, Italian, and Oklahoman background which allows her to present the culture authentically. She also presents an insider perspective. Through her research and participiation in Night of the Radishes Ryan is able to portray what is is like to be born of the culture. Ryan also uses the details accurately and avoids stereotypes. She uses details of the La Noche de los Rabanos accurately and naturally though the story. She also doesn't provide stereotypes in her novel. She doesn't show the characters as mean and horrible people. They are characters just like everyone else. I loved how Ryan incorporated Spanish words with the English translation right after it. The story wouldn't be the same if Ryan had just used the English words. The reader wouldn't get the full cultural perspective if these words weren't included. Overall I loved this book and I can't wait to read more books by this author. I will definately use this book in my classroom :)

1. Naomi's life isn't perfect.
I really appreciated that this book did not try to portray Naomi as a character who has a perfect family, perfect personality, and a perfect life. Instead, Naomi is a character whom many children can relate to. Many kids these days do not live with both parents, and some live with a relative just like Naomi. This is a reality that needs to be reflected in children's literature. Also the author makes sure that the readers know that Naomi has character flaws. For example, she often cannot make herself speak up and defend her brother when other kids tease him. By the end of the novel, Naomi has grown as a person and has finally found her voice. This teaches kids that they can grow and learn from life's events.

2. It teaches children about Mexico and traditions that are unique to that country.
When Naomi and her family travel to Oaxaca they learn about many new things about Mexico. They learn new Spanish words like "el mercado", and they also get the chance to participate in many Mexican traditions. Naomi is similar to many young children in that they may have a rich cultural history, but haven't had the opportunity to uncover it. When Naomi participates in la Noche de los Rabanos she carries on a family tradition that has lasted for years and years. I think that this book can help inspire children to learn more about the traditions in their families.

3. It reflects experiences that many children in the U.S. have today.
This book is an exceptional example of multicultural literature because many children in the U.S. can relate to it. I plan on teaching near Charlotte, N.C. and I know that many of my students will be Hispanic. What better way to reach out to your Hispanic students than to read a book that touches on their culture? Not only will they relate to the novel, but other non-Hispanic students will read the book and understand more about Mexican culture as well. Hopefully reading this book could promote diversity and understanding in the classroom.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Naomi Soledad Leon Outlaw is a girl who I feel so much empathy for. She is both American and Mexican, yet she does not know the culture of her Mexican roots. Naomi wears handmade clothes, lives in a trailer, is shy, and has a funny last name. She is living a life of simplicity and as much solitude a young girl can have. Carving soap, making lists, and For the last seven years their Gram has been raising them as her own. Then one day Naomi's mother comes back into her life and things change. Skyla, Naomi's mother is the definition of "bad mother". Skyla is constantly putting down both Naomi and her brother Owen, and Skyla even had the nerve to slap Naomi across the face. Skyla has plans to take Naomi to live with her in Las Vegas, but Gram has other plans and takes Naomi and Owen on a vacation to Mexico. And now Naomi finally has a chance to visit her Mexican roots. What a good book and I can see how a child would read this and be able to relate to her.

I love this book so much! I think this book would be wonderful to use in the classroom. It is such an easy read and I couldn't put it down once I started it. This book also involves the topic of divorce, separation, and living with another family member. These are common situations that children in my classroom might be going through. I'm sure it would help such students cope so much by reading this book and realizing they aren't the only one going through a similar situation. I really liked the descriptive words used throughout the book. I felt as if I could really feel what Naomi and the others were going through. An example of this descriptive language is "as I wheeled Owen around the trailer park loop, a troublesome feeling tiptoed after me like a lurking shadow "(p.87). Naomi was such an unique character. I loved how she made lists about practically everything. The author incorporates so much cultural information throughout the book. A child reading this book could learn so much about the Mexican culture. I really enjoyed the detailed information about Las Posadas and La Noche de los Rabanos. I think the author did a great job at avoiding stereotypes. This isn't the perfect book with the perfect ending. Naomi is not a typical child - she makes lists of everything and carves soap. Owen was very unique and intelligent, despite his handicaps. I can't wait to read more from this author!

I am in love with this book! Honestly when I first began to read I was so unsure of where the book was headed that I began to get bored. I pressed on reading and by page 35 I was hooked. From the moment we learned about Skyla and the mystery of who she was this book captured my heart. Such a great book that so many children I feel like can seem to relate to. I also thought this book was even great for adults to just curl up and put yourselves in Naomi's shoes. It's almost as if some of the time Naomi herself has to act like an adult the way she takes care of Owen and helping out Gram. The entire time reading this I felt as if I was reading her diary and the lists that she makes are so simple but have so much meaning. This is such a great read and learning all about the Mexican culture at the same time is fascinating.

I still have a little left of this book yet to finish, but I love this story so far. I think it is one of the most realistic and modern things we have read so far. I will never understand any kind of mother who would ever think about treating any child that way, and I do believe she should be shot for acting the way she did towards Owen and Naomi. I still do not know if they are going to find Santiago or who will get custody of the children, but I do think that there are so many injustices of "Skyla" and I sure hope she gets what she deserves at the end of the story. I do not understand why her and Clive want children so much. They lead such selfish lives, what do they want with two little girls? This makes me just want to rant and rant about how much Owen and Naomi and Gram deserve, but I do no think that I can put into words exactly how mad this makes me. Owen's obsession with tape is very fascinating to me, and I like to think about why he needs tape. Maybe he needs to feel like something needs him and cannot let go of him unless he takes it off of himself. Sweet, sweet Owen, always trying to find the good in every situation. He has been through so much, and when Skyla neglects him, he is 'okay' with it and patiently waits his turn. I was so proud of Naomi when she stood up to Skyla and would not leave with her. It was time that she opened her mouth and stated her opinion to that woman. I hated that she did tell Clive 'Thank you' for the gifts when she definitely shouldn't have. I was also glad to see Naomi talk to Graciela and finding out the motives of a true mother, so that she knows that Skyla is not what a mother should act like. I have so much respect for Naomi, Owen, and Gram and hope this ending turns out in her favor!

One of the first things that stood out to me about Naomi was her list making. Even though her lists were often very specific, I still was able to identify with her. I often make lists myself, some of which I never write down but remain in my head. For example I have my own worry list that I never write down but it occupies my thoughts. The only lists I tend to write down are the ones concerning academic subjects and overall life goals. This common attribute of Naomi led me to realize that everyone must constantly be making lists in their heads whether they write them down or not. This is important to realize as a future teacher because we need to realize because children's worries carry over into a school setting. Once children are in a classroom they aren't going to suddenly stop thinking about whatever may be occupying their minds. The faculty in Naomi's school were well aware of her situation, mainly because of what seemed like good communication between her Gram and the staff. It was extremely critical in Naomi's case that the staff knew her grandmother's character. The recommendation letters they wrote to the judge could have easily influenced him, even though it seemed like the final straw was Skyla admitting that she didn't want Owen. Case in point, it is important for the entire faculty in a school to be aware of stresses that kids face in their home lives because you never know when you have the chance to help a child.

Even though this book wasn't my favorite, I thought that it was very realistic and most certainly could apply to someone's life. The thing that I enjoyed most about Becoming Naomi Leon was the fact that she was able to find her voice amongst all of her troubles. The obstacles she faced only made her a stronger individual. One of the most important chapters in the book was when Naomi had the courage to stand up for herself and speak out against her mother even though it was obvious that Naomi wished the world was different and her mother was a better, more loving one. I was impressed with how she handled herself in trying times, always looking for the best in people and yet she was also able to realize people's faults without hating them for it. I believe the book had a very genuine and realistic ending because even though things didn't turn out well for her regarding her mother, she still had her Gram, Owen, her neighbors, Blanca, and the new acquaintance with her father Santiago. It made me happy to know that he really did care for her and wish to have her in his life for non-selfish reasons. My favorite quote was, "How many others were walking around and not even knowing that someone far away cared for them? Imagine all that love floating in the air, waiting to land on someone's life! (245).

I thought this book integrated multicultural literature into the text very well. Many examples of multiculturalism were included in the language of Bernardo and Fabiola. Also children could learn about cultural icons such as the Lady Soledad of Oaxaca. Food was also a great topic for multiculturalism. I loved the description of the Quesillo. It was interesting to see that Naomi resembled the Mexican side while Owen more so resembled the Oklahoma relatives. Even though Naomi was Mexican, she hardly knew anything about the culture due to her limited exposure. I was surprised that she didn't know more of the language due to her relations with her neighbors. I thought it was incredibly interesting how the book addressed stereotypes of Mexico such as the water making you sick, crooked cops, and people being murdered on a certain beach. It never mentioned if these stereotypes were true though. One theme I really liked in the book was how the author integrated the Mexican culture into Naomi's last name, Leon. This theme was present in the entire novel starting with Blanca telling her what it meant. It was great to see that Naomi's family name was a strong symbol of the Mexican culture and that she finally got her voice in the end. She also had a sense of belonging with her family name being that she and her father were both excellent carvers.

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.