For children navigating complex family dynamics, this empowering story follows Naomi as she finds her voice and seeks a loving, stable home amidst upheaval.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating a complex family situation, especially one involving an unreliable or absent parent. It offers a powerful model for finding your voice and defining your own sense of family. The story follows shy, quiet Naomi and her younger brother Owen, who live happily with their great-grandmother until their long-absent, alcoholic mother, Skyla, suddenly returns. Skyla's manipulative and cruel behavior forces the family to flee to Oaxaca, Mexico, in search of the children's father. This journey becomes a quest for Naomi to discover her own strength, identity, and the true meaning of home. For ages 9 to 13, it's an empowering story of resilience that handles difficult topics like parental neglect and emotional abuse with care and provides a hopeful resolution.
A main character's alcoholism is a central plot point and is discussed openly.
Scary ScenesMild
A parent's verbal abuse and manipulative behavior create tense and emotionally frightening scenes.
Sensitive Topics
Parental abandonment, alcoholism, and emotional abuse are central to the plot and are handled directly. The mother's neglect and cruelty, particularly towards her son with physical differences, are clear and not sugarcoated. The book presents these issues within a supportive framework, emphasizing the strength of the children's bond with their great-grandmother. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: the children gain a safe, legal home with Gram and a renewed, though long-distance, relationship with their father. The legal proceedings offer a sense of justice.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a thoughtful, perhaps introverted, child aged 10-13 who is struggling to find their voice or speak up for themselves. It will deeply resonate with children navigating complex family dynamics, such as living with grandparents or dealing with an unreliable or absent parent. It is also an excellent choice for a child exploring their own cultural heritage, particularly if they are of Mexican descent.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss alcoholism, emotional abuse, and neglect. Skyla's verbal cruelty and manipulation are stark and may be upsetting. Preview the chapters where Skyla's abusive behavior escalates, especially her confrontation with Gram after the doctor's appointment. The book can be read cold, but it will almost certainly spark questions that require gentle, honest conversation. A parent has noticed their child seems anxious or withdrawn, particularly around a certain relative. The child might be asking difficult questions about why a parent isn't in their life, or expressing a desire to not see a particular family member. The child might feel responsible for family problems or be afraid to speak their mind.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely connect with the adventure story, the clear good vs. evil dynamic, and Naomi's love for her brother and Gram. An older reader (11-13) will appreciate the more nuanced themes: Naomi's internal journey to self-acceptance, the complexities of the legal battle, the bittersweet nature of her father's situation, and the powerful symbolism of finding her voice through her art.
What Makes It Special
While many books cover difficult family situations, this one stands out for its deep and vibrant integration of Mexican culture. The trip to Oaxaca is not just a plot device; it is the catalyst for Naomi's self-discovery. The culture, art (especially the Noche de Rábanos), and language of Mexico are woven into the fabric of her journey to becoming Naomi León. The specific, recurring motif of carving as a form of expression gives Naomi a unique and tangible way to process her world.
Read plot summary
Naomi and her younger brother Owen live a stable life with their great-grandmother, Gram. Their world is disrupted when their estranged mother, Skyla, returns. Skyla, an alcoholic, is charming at first but soon becomes emotionally abusive, favoring Naomi and neglecting Owen, who has physical disabilities. When Skyla reveals her plan to take Naomi to Las Vegas to be a babysitter and abandon Owen, Gram takes the children and flees to Oaxaca, Mexico. There, they search for the children's father, Santiago, a skilled woodcarver. Naomi, an aspiring carver herself, finds her voice and cultural roots, culminating in a triumphant entry in the Night of the Radishes festival. With her father's support, Naomi testifies in a custody hearing, allowing Gram to become their legal guardian.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Naomi is a quiet person who makes many lists. How do her lists help her make sense of the world? How does finding her voice change what she writes down?
2
Skyla, Naomi's mother, is often cruel, especially to Owen. Why do you think she acts this way? Do you think she is a 'bad person,' or is it more complicated than that?
3
The trip to Oaxaca is a turning point for Naomi. What does she discover about her family, her culture, and herself during the Night of the Radishes festival?
4
At the end of the book, Naomi's father Santiago supports her but doesn't come back to Lemon Tree with them. How did you feel about this ending? Can a family be complete even if everyone doesn't live together?
5
Gram makes a very big decision to take the children to Mexico without telling anyone. Do you think she did the right thing? What other choices did she have?
