bellaellenv 's review for:

Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

"Becoming Naomi León" by Pam Muñoz Ryan is a touching novel that really sat with my heart. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Naomi’s world, the main character, as she reminded me of myself at her age. I found myself rooting for her as she navigated the hardships of her life.

One of the best parts of the book is the character of Naomi herself. Naomi is a kind-hearted and resilient girl who has faced many challenges in her young life. Raised by her great-grandmother, Gram, alongside her brother Owen, Naomi's life takes a huge turn when her mother who abandoned her and brother when they were young reappears into her life. Naomi’s internal conflicts, particularly her struggle with self-identity and her desire to understand her heritage, made her an incredibly relatable protagonist to me. 

The themes of family and identity are strong throughout the narrative in a way that feels very authentic, you can tell the author was basing this off of personal experience. Naomi’s journey to Oaxaca, Mexico, to find her father and connect with her roots is a powerful exploration of what it means to belong. The vivid descriptions of Oaxaca add depth to Naomi’s journey and highlight the importance of understanding and embracing your own heritage.

One of my other favorite characters is Owen, Naomi’s younger brother, who is quirky and endearing, he reminded me so much of my younger sister. Despite his physical challenges, Owen has optimism that provides a contrast to the more difficult aspects of their lives. His character embodies the theme of resilience and the idea that family is not just about blood relations but also about the bonds we form with people we meet along the way.