Pam Munoz Ryan, the author of the book, also wrote Esperanza Rising. Naomi Leon Outlaw is made fun of with her last name and makes soap carvings. She lives with her grandma and crippled brother in a trailer, Baby Beluga. Her mother had a problem with alcohol and her dad had gotten a divorce and left. Suddenly her mother comes back, and makes life rather difficult. Naomi runs away and becomes a new Leon member to be a great carver. Naomi learns to speak louder, and becomes a great carver, carving stories of her adventure. I really enjoyed this book. It has lots of difficulties in it, to learn how to face the world. I highly recommend reading this book.

Miranda
Bayless Intermediate
6th grade