Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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?
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I agree with your comments about Skyla, although she presents such a negative image of mothers, this is a sad reality as well. With her in mind, it is hard to determine if this book is a positive piece of diverse literature (like you said). I feel that it may open conversation for students in the sense of critical analysis of different characters, especially Skyla. For an older audience it may be a good prelude into a discussion of alcoholism, abandonment, rehabilitation centers, or halfway houses. Issues like these are very touchy though, sending a note home to parents way in advance will help clear concerns prior to talking with students about real-life problems like alcoholism. I also agree strongly with the way you question in reference to Owen, it’s difficult for me to let that topic go with a sister with special needs. I have such a strong opinion about this issue – the way in which children with special needs are depicted is another touchy subject, and again, I feel as though Owen received a lot of passive abuse from his mother. That is, her rejection of him and denial of his existence was more harmful than the book seemed to make it out to be. I would have a hard time using this book in my classroom because of the way Owen is ignored and given a very happy-go-lucky attitude. (Which is possible that a child really have this attitude, but as far as I’ve observed, not likely). Overall though, this book could really open doors for conversations for students on many different levels.
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