Two Naomis (Lizzie)

0 Comments

Two Naomis (Lizzie)

Title: Two Naomis (September 2016)
Age in store: 10


Briefly, what it's about: Other than their first names, Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith have absolutely nothing in common. When the relationship between Naomi Marie’s mother, Valerie, and Naomi Edith’s father, Tom, starts to get serious, the girls are each coerced by their parent into attending a coding class together so they can get to know each other better -- something neither of them wants to do. Brianna, Naomi Marie’s little sister, is too young to understand what is going on and is just happy to have more people to play with. She thinks it’s funny that both girls are named Naomi and occasionally refers to them as :black Naomi" (her sister) and "white Naomi" (Naomi Edith). Adjusting to their new family situation presents challenges and adversity. Eventually however the Naomis must face their differences, accept the changes that are happening, and realize that their new blended family is pretty wonderful in its own way.

Lizzie's rave: This is a wonderfully endearing novel about growing up, friendship and blending families. Authors Rhuday-Perkovich and Vernick do a great job navigating the emotional topic of post-divorce family life and the adjustments that must be made when parents start dating again in a realistic and upbeat way. The two Naomis narrate their story in alternating chapters; both characters are distinct and engaging, with flaws that make them totally believable.

I did find Naomi Marie accepted that she would be the Naomi to go by both her first and middle name rather quickly (or maybe I am just a much more unaccommodating person!). And I must confess, parents Tom and Valerie really irritated me, the way they just signed up their daughters for a class together without telling them the real reason until they got there, and the way they tell the girls they are getting married while standing outside city hall about 10 minutes before it happens. Despite these flaws, this is a book that will definitely resonate with many readers, particularly those who have experienced changing families.  

Rating: 4/5 stars

Mabel's Fables

Instagram