Becoming Naomi Leon

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What is one thing Naomi León considers herself good at?

2. Where do the León Outlaws live?

3. When Fabiola comes over, what do she and Gram do that makes the children worry?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is the second surprise visitor unwelcome?

2. Why did Naomi begin carving?

Paired Resource

“Understanding the Losses Foster & Kinship Kids Experience”

• This article explains some of the challenges and traumas that children might face on their journey to foster or kinship care.
• This information connects to the theme of Family: Ideal Versus Reality.
• Which of the eight losses listed seem to apply to the León Outlaw children?

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. Why is Gram worried about Skyla?

2. What is Skyla’s boyfriend’s name?

3. Who is Naomi’s new school friend?

4. Where do Naomi and her friend eat lunch?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Naomi remember about her mother?

2. Why is Gram’s emotional response to Skyla’s return unsettling?

3. What does Naomi admire most about her new friend?

Part 1, Chapters 7-9

Reading Check

1. What does Naomi overhear in the school office?

2. What secret plan gets revealed at Thanksgiving dinner?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How can Skyla afford so many gifts, and why is she buying them?

2. In Chapter 4, Naomi describes seeing a swirl of color above her and Owen’s bed in Mexico. What did it turn out to be?

3. How does Gram respond to Naomi’s questions about what she overheard at school?

Paired Resource

“How to Make a Soap Carving”

• This short YouTube tutorial demonstrates how to make a soap carving. It includes a list of supplies as well as written instructions.
• What supplies are needed to make a soap carving? Why might Naomi use soap instead of clay or wood as a medium?

Part 1, Chapters 10-11

Reading Check

1. What does Skyla do at the doctor’s office?

2. How do the children escape Skyla’s attempt to kidnap Naomi?

3. Where are the children when they think there’s an earthquake?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Skyla yell at the children when they get home?

2. Where did Gram go on her private errands?

Part 2, Chapters 12-14

Reading Check

1. Which aspects of Flora and Pedro’s home help Naomi to feel comfortable?

2. What does Naomi learn about her father during the visit with her great aunt Teresa?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Naomi make lists with Owen on the way to Oaxaca?

2. What does “sleuth” mean, and how does it relate to Chapter 13?

Paired Resource

“Oaxaca, Mexico 4K Walking Tour”

• This 37-minute YouTube video includes a city walk through Oaxaca at the beginning and a 10-minute trip through the market at 17:00.
• As you “travel” through the market, compare it to Naomi León’s description. Does the video match your understanding and expectations of the scene? How does this market compare to where you shop for groceries at home?

“Animalitos Gallery of Oaxacan Wood Carvings”

• Port Wahakaa is an independent importer and wholesaler of carvings from folk artists all over Oaxaca. This content may help students visualize what the León family found in Aunt Teresa’s workshop.
• This information connects to the theme of Self-Identity, Belonging, and Becoming.
• What makes the Oaxacan wood carvings unique? What kinds of animals are portrayed, and how do they relate to Naomi’s carvings?

Part 2, Chapters 15-16

Reading Check

1. What do the men decide to carve for Radish Night?

2. How long do they spend carving?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Which ritual during Las Posadas makes Naomi feel both joy and sadness?

2. How does Naomi respond when she sees Gram giving up hope?

Part 2, Chapters 17-19

Reading Check

1. How did the animalitos display do in the contest?

2. How does Santiago make a living?

3. What figure does Santiago give to Naomi?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Santiago feel when he learns Naomi participated in Radish Night?

2. How does Santiago help his children?

Paired Resource

 “Mexico’s Whimsical Night of the Radishes”

• This travel article from BBC depicts scenes from La Noche de Rábanos in Oaxaca, Mexico. It discusses the history of the festival and the Christmas traditions surrounding it.
• This information relates to the theme of Self-Identity, Belonging, and Becoming.
• When is the annual event held, and who participates in the traditions? How does the author use language to capture the setting of this festive night in the novel?

Part 2, Chapters 20-Epilogue

Reading Check

1. What about Skyla’s testimony makes the judge rule against her?

2. Where does Mr. Marble display Naomi’s carvings?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What questions does the mediator ask the children?

2. What do people notice about Naomi when she returns to school?

Recommended Next Reads 

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

• This middle-grade fantasy novel follows the story of Max Cordoba, a young boy who loves stories and wonders what the future holds for his football (soccer) dreams. He finds himself on a quest full of legends and family secrets that helps him unlock both his heritage and his future.
• Shared themes include Coming of Age and Self-Identity, Belonging, and Becoming.
• Shared topics include unique family structures, outlook, and resilience.
• Mañanaland on SuperSummary

Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

• Addie Ramirez loves her stepfather, but when he offers to adopt her, a series of events unfold that lead this 12-year-old to a troupe of luchadores—professional wrestlers—called the Bravos. As she connects with her relatives, Addie learns the meaning of family, as well as the hard work involved in being a part of one.
• Shared themes include Family: Ideal Versus Reality and Self-Identity, Belonging, and Becoming.
• Shared topics include unique family structures, Mexican culture, and traditions.