Becoming Naomi León (Scholastic Gold) - by Pam Muñoz Ryan (Paperback)

About the Book

From the award-winning author of "Esperanza Rising" comes a riveting novel about family and identity, drawn from the warmth, wisdom, and love of Ryan's own Mexican and Oklahoman heritages.

Book Synopsis

From Newbery Honoree and New York Times bestseller Pam Muñoz Ryan comes a gripping story about familial love, loyalty, and identity. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Rita Williams-Garcia.

Becoming Naomi Leon joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

Schneider Family Book Award Winner

Pura Belpré Honor Book

Children's Literature Legacy Award Winner

"Engrossing." -- New York Times

Naomi Soledad León Outlaw has had a lot to contend with in her young life, her name for one. Then there are her clothes (sewn in polyester by Gram), her difficulty speaking up, and her status at school as "nobody special." But according to Gram's self-prophecies, most problems can be overcome with positive thinking. Luckily, Naomi also has her carving to strengthen her spirit. And life with Gram and her little brother, Owen, is happy and peaceful. That is, until their mother reappears for the first time in seven years, stirring up all sorts of questions and challenging Naomi to discover who she really is.

Review Quotes

Awards and Praise for Becoming Naomi León: A Pura Belpré Honor BookAmericas Award, CommendedSchneider Family Book Award WinnerTomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award WinnerBook 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

About the Author

Pam Muñoz Ryan is the recipient of the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award, the PEN Center USA Award, and the 2024 Children's Literature Legacy Award for her body of work. She was the 2018 and is the 2026 US nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. She received a Newbery Honor Medal and the Kirkus Prize for her New York Times bestselling novel, Echo. Her other celebrated novels, Esperanza Rising, The Dreamer, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi León, Paint the Wind, Mañanaland, and El Niño, have received countless accolades, among them the Pura Belpré Award, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and the Américas Award. Her acclaimed picture books include Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride and the Sibert Honor book When Marian Sang, both illustrated by Brian Selznick, Mice and Beans illustrated by Joe Cepeda, and Tony Baloney illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, as well as a beginning reader series featuring Tony Baloney. Ryan lives near San Diego, California, with her family. Visit Pam at www.PamMunozRyan.com.