Becoming Naomi Leon

Becoming Naomi León is Pam Muñoz Ryan’s third novel. It is a work of realistic fiction. Ryan is an American author of Mexican descent whose other works include Echo (a 2016 Newbery Honor Book), and Esperanza Rising. She has written numerous novels, picture books, and early readers for young people. In 2018, she was a nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. Becoming Naomi León was awarded a 2006 Pure Belpré Honor Medal.

In her biography, Ryan describes her first trip to Oaxaca and the magic she found in the city. Her experience was so unforgettable that it inspired the novel’s setting. She attended the 100th anniversary of La Noche de los Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) in 1997, which is a real carving festival held every year.

This study guide refers to the Scholastic library-bound edition, published in 2004.

Plot Summary

Told in first-person from Naomi’s perspective, Becoming Naomi León traces Naomi’s path of living up to her name, which means “Naomi the Lion.” The novel takes place in contemporary suburban San Diego, California, and Oaxaca City, Mexico. Naomi León, her brother Owen, and their great-grandmother, Gram, who raises them, live in Lemon Tree in a trailer.