Ryan, Pam Muñoz. 2004. Becoming Naomi León. New York: Scholastic Press. 

Naomi Outlaw is a shy, but talented child who, along with her younger brother Owen, has lived most of her life with her great-grandmother. When her alcoholic mother comes back and tries to take Naomi to live with her in hopes of getting government assistance, Naomi and her family go to Mexico in an attempt to find Naomi’s father, who, at one time, wanted them to live with him. Throughout the family’s trip to Mexico, Naomi is fearful that her mother and Clive, her mother’s scary boyfriend will take her away from the only family that she has ever known. Upon arriving in Mexico, Naomi discovers more about her past, her heritage, and the talent for carving that she inherited from her father. The events in the story are portrayed in a realistic yet poignant way that has readers cheering for Naomi and Owen while hoping against hope that Naomi’s father will finally be found and will be able to save the day. Though Naomi begins her story as a quiet, shy girl, who is afraid of her own shadow, she uses her life experiences to grow into a confident, secure Lion-hearted character that will encourage readers to use their own experiences to discover themselves.