Becoming Naomi Leon

Becoming Naomi León

• Genre: Fiction; middle-grade contemporary
• Originally Published: 2004
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 830L; grades 4-7
• Structure/Length: 2 parts; 21 chapters; epilogue; approximately 246 pages; approximately 4 hours, 15 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Naomi Soledad León Outlaw, a young girl of Mexican and Native American heritage, must navigate the challenges of identity, family secrets, and self-acceptance when her estranged mother arrives unexpectedly. Set in California, the story follows Naomi as she discovers her own strength and resilience.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Family separation; identity struggles; abandonment; alcoholism

Pam Muñoz Ryan, Author

• Bio: American author of Mexican and Basque heritage; writes children's and young adult literature; known for her diverse characters and themes of cultural identity and social justice; explores family dynamics and personal growth in her stories; recipient of numerous awards and honors; advocates for literacy and multicultural literature
• Other Works: The Flag We Love (1996); Riding Freedom (1998); The Dreamer (2010); Echo (2015); Esperanza Rising (2000) 
• Awards: Pura Belpré Award (2001); Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2001); Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2001); Americas Award (2001); California Young Reader Medal (2003)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Self-Identity, Belonging, and Becoming
• The Power of Positive Thinking
• Family: Ideal Versus Reality

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Guide, students will: