Becoming Naomi Leon, Pam Ryan

Becoming Naomi Leon, Pam Munoz Ryan

Ryan, Pam Munoz. Becoming Naomi Leon. New York: Scholastic Paperbacks, 2005. Print.

Naomi and her younger brother, Owen, who is crippled, are living peacefully with their great-grandmother in California. After seven years of absence, Naomi and Owen's mother, Skyla, reappears into the lives of these children. Naomi soon discovers that her mother is not who she hoped she would be; she is an alcoholic who is not happy unless she is with her boyfriend, Clive, who is condescending to Naomi and her soap carving. Naomi discovers that her father did, in fact, want to be with her and her brother, but her mother would not allow it. Naomi, Owen, and Gram later take a journey to Mexico to locate Naomi and Owen's father. Gram is ultimately granted guardianship, and the children return to their lives in California, this time with their father, too.

Electronic Resources:

Hablo Espanol?
This link will bring you to a scholastic printable that will assist students in their understanding of the many Spanish words that are sprinkled through the text.

Pam Ryan's Inspiration
This link will you to Pam Munoz Ryan's page regarding the inspiration behind her novel, Becoming Naomi Leon. This page also includes additional links for extension activities.

Teaching Suggestions:

Key Vocabulary:
*Airstream trailer       *sanctuary
*jabber-mouth            *ambience
*cattywampus            *bluster
*nettles                        *oozing
*caterwaul                   *consultation
*muster                        *Oaxaca
*mediator                    *dwindled
*prophecy                   *whittled


Before Reading:
Ask students to think about what it might mean for Naomi to become herself. How can someone become someone he or she already is? How might this idea be significant in understanding Naomi's story?

Responding to the Text:
After reading, ask students to write about a time where they learned who they were, and what does that experience mean to them in the decisions they make? Perhaps this might be a specific family celebration that suggests specific values in that family's day to day life, or maybe there was an experience, good or bad, that helped students understand their role in their family, class, or community.