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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
CW: parent dealing with alcoholism, parental abuse ableism
I went into this book not knowing much, but I was utterly charmed by the nostalgia of how this was written. I don't know how else to describe it, but the plot and characters are written very much in the style of a 2000s kid's book, and that nostalgia worked really well!
This is the story about how Naomi, her brother, and her great-grandmother's lives being turned upside down when their birth mother comes back for the first time in years, suddenly interested in the kid's lives again.
I went into this book not knowing much, but I was utterly charmed by the nostalgia of how this was written. I don't know how else to describe it, but the plot and characters are written very much in the style of a 2000s kid's book, and that nostalgia worked really well!
This is the story about how Naomi, her brother, and her great-grandmother's lives being turned upside down when their birth mother comes back for the first time in years, suddenly interested in the kid's lives again.
This is a family story and I loved stepping into their home. Baby Beluga is the name of their trailer. There are many things that are difficult about their family situation (mostly because their mother has addiction issues), but there are so many things that are positive. Naomi and her brother are being raised by a very caring great grandmother. They haven't seen their father in years, but he wants to know them. They have close supportive adult neighbors too.
I felt like I was right in the midst of the family while I was reading. There was a wonderful sense of place throughout. I wanted to spend more time with Naomi's family.
I felt like I was right in the midst of the family while I was reading. There was a wonderful sense of place throughout. I wanted to spend more time with Naomi's family.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
One of my favorite childhood books. Read it so many times, helped me navigate and make sense of addiction in my own family. Great for both kids and adolescents.
After reading Riding Freedom without much enjoyment, I was a little reluctant to read Becoming Naomi Leon. On one end, I didn't like Ryan's previous story, and I also totally judge books by their covers... and the cover of this book didn't catch my eye. However, I was hugely surprised. There is so much depth in this novel, particularly since it is written for middle grade students. Ryan introduces symbolism and metaphor to young adults perfectly. I was captivated by Naomi's story: her history, the journey to find her own identity, and how family means to her. This coming-of-age novel is beautiful and timeless.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While I quite liked this book, especially the characters, I decided not to assign it to my middle grade book club after all.
Spoiler
I feel like the bad experiences with the alcoholic, self-centered mom cast too great a shadow over the good experiences with the other adults in their lives. I was never sympathetic toward her. And the suspense of the custody battle was too frightening given that in the real world not-great parents like her can twist the court to their way, while good parents like Abuela, who truly get the job done well with love, can sometimes lose.
A classic award winner--girl comes of age, finds cultural roots, has adults as both advocates and as wrongdoers plus a quirky brother.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was a book I read as a child and it's always stuck with me. I see a lot of myself in the main character and her struggles, especially with family. I think it's an amazing book for a mid to late elementary schooler, and one they may reread a decade later and find they still enjoy (aka me).
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes