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About the Book          Becoming Naomi Leon

Becoming Naomi Leon follows the journey of Naomi Soledad León Outlaw, a young girl living with her brother Owen and their great-grandmother, Gram, in Lemon Tree, California. Naomi has always seen herself as a plain girl who often feels invisible, except when she carves soap animals with her brother.

Their lives are turned upside down when their mother, Terri Lynn, reappears after abandoning them years ago. With her return comes turmoil and a custody battle, as Terri wants to take Naomi away from the stable life she knows and loves.

Naomi, Owen, and Gram decide to head to Oaxaca, Mexico, in search of Naomi’s father, Santiago, during the annual Christmas celebration of La Noche de Los Rábanos (The Night of the Radishes). It is here that Naomi discovers her voice, her heritage, and the strength she never knew she had as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and courage.

Themes in the book Becoming Naomi Leon

Identity and Self-Discovery: One of the central themes of Becoming Naomi Leon is the journey of identity and self-discovery. Naomi’s quest to understand who she is and where she comes from is a powerful narrative about finding one's voice and place in the world.

Family and Belonging: The novel explores the concept of family beyond biological ties. It portrays the loving bond between Naomi, Owen, and Gram, emphasizing that family is defined by love, support, and commitment rather than just genetics.

Courage and Resilience: Naomi’s story is one of remarkable courage and resilience. Faced with immense challenges, she learns to stand up for herself and fight for her future.

Cultural Heritage: The book beautifully incorporates elements of Mexican culture, particularly through the depiction of La Noche de Los Rábanos. This theme enriches the narrative and provides readers with a deeper appreciation for cultural traditions.

Activity Ideas    for the book Becoming Naomi Leon

Character Analysis: Have students create character profiles for Naomi, Owen, Gram, and other significant characters. They can include descriptions, character traits, and how each character changes throughout the story. This activity helps students engage deeply with the text and understand character development.

Cultural Exploration: Conduct a lesson on Mexican culture and traditions, particularly focusing on La Noche de Los Rábanos. Students can research and present on various aspects of the celebration, enhancing their cultural knowledge and appreciation.

Family Tree Project: Have students create a family tree for Naomi, including both her immediate and extended family. This visual activity helps students understand family relationships and the importance of heritage.

Conflict Resolution Role-Play: Discuss the conflicts in the story and have students role-play different scenarios where they practice resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner. This activity promotes empathy and problem-solving skills.

Art and Craft: Students can create their own soap carvings, just like Naomi does in the book. This hands-on activity allows them to connect with the character and express their creativity.

Writing a Sequel: Encourage students to write a short sequel to the book, imagining what happens to Naomi and her family after the story ends. This activity stimulates imagination and narrative skills.