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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
A lioness inside a mouse. Truly a wonderful story that takes you along in its rollercoaster of emotions. I admire the Grandma soo much for all she went through honestly.
First official book read. This was one of the books we have to read and write a term paper after reading. I did oddly remember it for it was onbviously my first serious book (duh) but also how striking and compelling the story was. I wouldn't be interested in reading a book if it wasnt for this one. With that said it was a really good book. Good story, the flow is good, there is a lot going on but it was mere of an adventure. Yup, thats it. It was like you're an adventure with them. If you want your kids to be inclined in reading I recommend you to let him/her try this one. Words are easy to understand and it is very entertaining. As far as I can remember. I read this when I was 11 or 12 and Im double of that age so I have to re-read it for me to have a fully review on this.
Loved, loved, loved this book. This is the kind of children's book I would like to write. It deals with a lot of tough stuff without weighing the reader down. This is a the kind of book that I love to read aloud to kids. Naomi is a plucky little heroine with a big heart. The cast of supporting characters were superbly written and the story keeps you hooked from page one. This a great example of middle grade fiction.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Abandonment
This book addresses a surprising range of issues such as cultural and personal identity, what it means to be a family (even if the family is "non-traditional"), life in a trailer park, and much more. Despite the obvious downsides of the main character Naomi's life, such as living in Avocado Acres Trailer Rancho, having a disabled brother, and growing up for seven years minus either of her biological parents, there is a pervasive sense of hope throughout the novel, shown in Naomi and her Gram's fervent belief that positive thinking can be self-prophetic, as well as Naomi's brother Owen's unabashed optimism despite his physical disabilities and the taunts made about him. The main characters in Becoming Naomi Leon are all too familiar with the "bad" in the world, but still realize that “the good and the bad are all rolled up into a meatball,” and, as Naomi does in the novel, weather the bad experiences, savor the good, and grow from all of them.
I know this is a children's book, but this has been sitting in my bookshelf since I was in elementary school. I recently decided to read every book on my shelf that I haven't read yet, so here I am. I think if I had read this at the age that I was supposed to, I would not have found it interesting. At the age I am now, I do find the subject matter to be interesting. I just don't really like this author's writing style. I think she wrote [b:Esperanza Rising|89763|Esperanza Rising|Pam Muñoz Ryan|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328869043s/89763.jpg|1510338] as well. Naomi's use of her notebook reminded me of [b:Harriet the Spy|232576|Harriet the Spy|Louise Fitzhugh|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320540825s/232576.jpg|1429939], except it was exclusively used for lists. I was surprised by Skyla's reaction to the judge's ruling. It was kinda lame! Was expecting something a little more exciting there haha.
Makes me want to read everything Ryan has ever written. (I know I've read others, but a very long time ago.)
Believable characters, a lot of heart, evocative setting.
Believable characters, a lot of heart, evocative setting.
A beautiful book!
Naomi Outlaw lives with her Grandma and little brother, Owen in baby beluga (their airstream trailer) at Avocado Acres Trailer Park in Lemon Tree, California. the family lives hand to mouth, struggling to make ends meet, but they are surrounded by loving friends that make for a colorful cast of characters.
Life is moving along in a normal way, Naomi carves animals out of soap and carries around a journal to make lists about the world around her. Everything seems average and happy, until her mom Skyla shows up. Skyla abandoned Naomi and Owen 7 years in the past, and pursued a life of addiction and strange men. Skyla buys Naomi a lot nice clothes in an attempt to build a relationship with her, but Skyla messes up and misses important parent-teacher conferences for her kids. Things deteriorate even more, when one night Skyla tries to steal Naomi and take her to Las Vegas. Naomi and Owen run away to nearby neighbors.
Through all of this, Gram is attempting to figure out the best way forward. She hatches a plan and she takes the kids, along with neighbors Bernado and Fabiola to Oaxaca, Mexico in an attempt to find their long lost father. While in Mexico, Naomi practices her carving skills and contributes to the family's sculpture at the yearly carving festival. She is full of anticipation and anxiety about finding her father.
This was a beautifully written book with unique and fun characters. Munoz Ryan handles uncomfortable subject matter with a deft hand. I highly recommend this book to fans of Sandra Cisneros, Gary Soto, and Francisco Jimenez.
Naomi Outlaw lives with her Grandma and little brother, Owen in baby beluga (their airstream trailer) at Avocado Acres Trailer Park in Lemon Tree, California. the family lives hand to mouth, struggling to make ends meet, but they are surrounded by loving friends that make for a colorful cast of characters.
Life is moving along in a normal way, Naomi carves animals out of soap and carries around a journal to make lists about the world around her. Everything seems average and happy, until her mom Skyla shows up. Skyla abandoned Naomi and Owen 7 years in the past, and pursued a life of addiction and strange men. Skyla buys Naomi a lot nice clothes in an attempt to build a relationship with her, but Skyla messes up and misses important parent-teacher conferences for her kids. Things deteriorate even more, when one night Skyla tries to steal Naomi and take her to Las Vegas. Naomi and Owen run away to nearby neighbors.
Through all of this, Gram is attempting to figure out the best way forward. She hatches a plan and she takes the kids, along with neighbors Bernado and Fabiola to Oaxaca, Mexico in an attempt to find their long lost father. While in Mexico, Naomi practices her carving skills and contributes to the family's sculpture at the yearly carving festival. She is full of anticipation and anxiety about finding her father.
This was a beautifully written book with unique and fun characters. Munoz Ryan handles uncomfortable subject matter with a deft hand. I highly recommend this book to fans of Sandra Cisneros, Gary Soto, and Francisco Jimenez.
