Becoming Naomi León

Fifth-grader Naomi's great-grandmother has been a loving guardian for Naomi and her brother since their mother abandoned them seven years before; now she has suddenly reappeared. In a starred review, "PW" called this "a tender tale about family love and loyalty." Ages 8-12. "(Dec.)" Copyright 2006 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Awards and Praise for Becoming Naomi León
A Pura Belpré Honor Book
Americas Award, Commended
Schneider Family Book Award Winner
Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award Winner
Book Sense Book of the Year Award Honor Book
"Engrossing." — The New York Times
"Ryan's sure-handed storytelling and affection for her characters convey a clear sense of Naomi's triumph, as she becomes "who I was meant to be." Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Once again, Ryan crystallizes the essence of settings and characters through potent, economic prose... a tender tale about family love and loyalty." Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Exciting...heartbreaking." — Booklist
"[Becoming Naomi León] has its own uniquely affecting emotional core." — The Horn Book
"Ryan has written a moving book about family dynamics. While she explores the youngsters' Mexican heritage and gives a vivid picture of life in and the art of Oaxaca, her story is universal, showing the strong bonds and love that make up an extended family. All of the characters are well drawn, and readers will share Naomi's fear until the judge makes the final decision about her future." — School Library Journal
"Symbols abound, and readers of all ages will enjoy reading of Naomi's transformation and triumph." — VOYA