Becoming Naomi León

Some time ago, I read about how searching for belonging creates among the most powerful children’s stories. Time and time again, that rings true.

Becoming Naomi León is the story of a young girl and her brother Owen, who are being raised by their Gram. As with Foxlight, Naomi has dreams of how her mother does want her, will want her, will shower her with love, and bring her family.

As expected, Naomi’s mother does turn up. But she’s nothing like Naomi imagined. She’s unpredictable, alternately showing love and blazing in anger. Worst of all, her mother wants Naomi, but not Owen. What is Naomi to do?

Becoming Naomi León is a beautiful story of courage, love, and making difficult choices. Can Naomi live up to her name and become the lion she is? Can she stand firmly in support of what she wants, even though being abandoned led to selective mutism that she continues to struggle with?

With gentleness and love, Becoming Naomi León shows us how messy a family can be, and how wonderful community can be. As Gram, Owen and Naomi go in search of the children’s father, they discover themselves. They discover what family is, and just how far they’re willing to go to keep their family whole. Becoming Naomi León is an immersive middle grade read that tells a powerful story with emotion and sensitivity.