Becoming Naomi Leon

Becoming Naomi Leon was a thoughtful book that kept me wanting to read and find out how things would turn out for Naomi and Owen. I enjoyed the book and thought it represented diversity in several ways. The book was especially interesting when they went to Mexico and learned about the culture and festival, La Noche de los Rabanos, that took place in Oaxaca and the tradition of carving. The author does a great job of introducing the the latino culture as the reader learns about it through Naomi's journey of self discovery and search for her father. Naomi's excitement about learning about her heritage made me interested in learning about it as well. This book also does a nice job representing a character with physical disabilities, Owen. I especially liked Owen's spirit and how he was always a positive and likeable character. He was portrayed to be like any other kid who was included in all activities. Naomi also helps address the stereotype that people with physical disabilities are not smart when she says "contrary to people's first opinions, he got the best grades in his class." For the most part, Owen is a positive character depicted in a way that would promote acceptance and understanding of people with physical disabilities, however, I did have a problem with how Owen's mother responed to him. Skyla was very rude and unaccepting of her own son. I constantly felt bad for Owen when Skyla was in the picture. She creates a feeling of unacceptance through her treatment of Owen and lack of interest in him. She also holds views about him that reinforce negative stereoytpes. However, in Skyla's rejection of Owen, Naomi and the rest of the family are able to show their acceptance. The character, Skyla conflicts my feelings about the book as a positive piece of diverse literature in this aspect. Does the acceptance of Owen over-shadow the rejection enough to consider this book a positive representation of people with physical disabilities?

Asian Pacific American Award

Asian/Pacific American Award

Purpose: The goal of the Asian Pacific American Award for Literature (APAAL) is to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/ Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.


Selection Criteria:

• Works eligible must have had premier publication during the calendar years from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, and must have been published for general commercial release in the U.S.
• Award categories are:
• Adult (fiction and nonfiction)
• Young Readers fiction and nonfiction – for text
• Young Readers fiction and nonfiction - for illustrations

• Works must be related to Asian/Pacific Heritage, not necessarily written by or illustrated by an Asian/Pacific American. The individual must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Works must have been published by a large publishing house, trade or small press/publisher located in the United States or one of its territories. Self-published works and exclusive internet publications are not eligible.

• Anthologies or books containing the work of more than one author are not eligible.

• Works must be originally written in English.

• Works that have previously won other prizes or recognition are eligible.

• If no books are found to meet the selection criteria, no award will be given.

Sponsor: Asian/ Pacific American Librarians Association


Selection Committee qualifications: Members of the APALA. Membership is open to all librarians/ information specialists of Asain/ Pacific decent working in U.S. library/ information centers and related institutions/organizations, and to others who support the goals and purpose of the APALA.

Book Examples:

2005 Award Winners:
The Firekeeper's Son by Linda Sue Park
Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

2006 Award Winners:
Nothing but the Truth (and a few white lies) by Justina Chen Headley
The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin



Honorable Mention
Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park




Sources:
www.apalaweb.org