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. One day, the children’s mother, Skyla, drops in to visit and allegedly reconnect with the children after a seven-year absence. Her return throws their lives into chaos. Gram and the children try to give Skyla the benefit of the doubt, but she quickly reveals that she’s still not able or willing to be a good mother. She struggles with alcoholism, treats Naomi like a pet, and regards Owen as an embarrassment. At Thanksgiving dinner, Skyla and her boyfriend Clive reveal a scheme to take Naomi away to Las Vegas. Their announcement catalyzes Gram and the children’s extended family to take drastic action because Skyla’s taking custody of the children would inevitably put them in harm’s way.

During a drunken meltdown, Skyla attempts to kidnap Naomi. To keep her safe, Gram requests a hearing in court. Then, Gram and the children’s extended family and neighbors travel to Oaxaca, Mexico. Gram plans to search for Naomi and Owen’s father, Santiago León, while they celebrate the Christmas holidays in Mexico. Gram hopes that Santiago will help them win the court case by writing a letter of support. He does that and much more during his happy reunion with the children. By the novel’s end, Naomi has grown from a worried, soft-spoken girl to a reserved, confident, child with a healthy sense of self and a powerful voice.