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Two Naomis
A realistic contemporary story of two girls, both named Naomi, whose divorced parents begin to date—perfect for fans of Lisa Graff, Sara Pennypacker, and Rita Williams-Garcia.
Other than their first names, Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith are sure they have nothing in common, and they wouldn’t mind keeping it that way.
Naomi Marie starts clubs at the library and adores being a big sister. Naomi Edith loves quiet Saturdays and hanging with her best friend in her backyard. And while Naomi Marie’s father lives a few blocks away, Naomi Edith wonders how she’s supposed to get through each day a whole country apart from her mother.
When Naomi Marie’s mom and Naomi Edith’s dad get serious about dating, each girl tries to cling to the life she knows and loves. Then their parents push them into attending a class together, where they might just have to find a way to work with each other—and maybe even join forces to find new ways to define family.
Other than their first names, Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith are sure they have nothing in common, and they wouldn’t mind keeping it that way.
Naomi Marie starts clubs at the library and adores being a big sister. Naomi Edith loves quiet Saturdays and hanging with her best friend in her backyard. And while Naomi Marie’s father lives a few blocks away, Naomi Edith wonders how she’s supposed to get through each day a whole country apart from her mother.
When Naomi Marie’s mom and Naomi Edith’s dad get serious about dating, each girl tries to cling to the life she knows and loves. Then their parents push them into attending a class together, where they might just have to find a way to work with each other—and maybe even join forces to find new ways to define family.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2016
38 people are currently reading
2043 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
March 14, 2016
I just read a very early copy of TWO NAOMIS and loved it to pieces. This book about friendships and families, changes and challenges, is a true gem. The two Naomis, whose parents are dating, tell the story of how their folks coerce them into a friendship that neither wants but that both, perhaps, need. Forced to face family-changing challenges together, the girls are filled with good intentions and messy emotions, and they truly show readers what it means to try and fail and forgive. I loved the Naomis so much! Watch for this one when it releases in September 2016 - great for all kids in grades 3-7, and I think those who have faced similar challenges with changing families will hug it especially close.
May 19, 2016
It's actually a little difficult for me to review this book without feeling enotional, because reading the book was such an emotionally complex and rich experience. I love Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith, for their wit, their vulnerability, their fallibility, their hearts, and their souls. Their lives become much more complicated and much more entangled when their parents began dating, and the two Naomis navigate that experience with all of the confusion, artlessness, stubbornness, and spirit in their possession. They're so wonderfully real, these characters; you ache for them during every moment of adversity, and you cheer for them every time they fight for a moment of connection. The laughs in TWO NAOMIS are abundant and meaningful; the emotional crescendos may very well bring you to tears. It's my favorite book of 2016 so far.
April 28, 2016
I zipped through this engaging book, in which you sympathize with everyone's angst yet root for them to work things out. The two main characters are distinct and appealing, with flaws and assets that make them whole and completely believable. The plot and the story arc flow so seamlessly, it's hard to believe that two people wrote it! I highly recommend this middle-grade novel for kids in flux--and which ones aren't?!
December 26, 2020
This book was a really fun read. It was light hearted and fast. I give this book a 5/5 stars!
August 14, 2017
TWO NAOMIS is absolutely incredible, I was thrilled from start to finish! Reading the synopsis, I knew it'd be super cute but it was also so emotional. From happy to sad to angry to I-don't-know-what-I'm-feeling-but-I'm-super-emotional. The character development of Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith were off the charts. The authors' were very good at making sure the reader understood not only both Naomis but their parents, family, and friends. It was like being in their heads'.
I loved both Naomis but I would say I connected with Naomi Marie a little bit more. She loved going to the library and making lists, just like me. She is also a bossy big sister, like me (haha). This is not to say I didn't love Naomi Edith, because I did, but I definitely saw more of myself in Naomi Marie. Both characters were incredibly unique and brought something different to the story.
This is such an important novel for MG readers with divorced parents, to understand that change is okay. I definitely wish I had this book growing up. Two Naomis is also valuable for MG readers with non-divorced parents, to see from someone else's perspective. If there was an emoji that was the combination of the heart-eyes emoji and the crying emoji, that would be my reading experience. I love, love, loved this!!
😍 + 😭 = this book ❤
I loved both Naomis but I would say I connected with Naomi Marie a little bit more. She loved going to the library and making lists, just like me. She is also a bossy big sister, like me (haha). This is not to say I didn't love Naomi Edith, because I did, but I definitely saw more of myself in Naomi Marie. Both characters were incredibly unique and brought something different to the story.
This is such an important novel for MG readers with divorced parents, to understand that change is okay. I definitely wish I had this book growing up. Two Naomis is also valuable for MG readers with non-divorced parents, to see from someone else's perspective. If there was an emoji that was the combination of the heart-eyes emoji and the crying emoji, that would be my reading experience. I love, love, loved this!!
😍 + 😭 = this book ❤
March 26, 2017
A much-needed middle grade novel about two families that are in the process of blending. While the parents are well-meaning and obviously love their children, I struggle with some of their choices and behavior, especially the frequent withholding of information from their children and then always expecting those children to just go along with whatever they say. Both the Naomis seem too well-behaved given their age and circumstances. I expected some real blow-ups, but neither author exposed the raw emotions that would have made the children more realistic and relatable. Choosing to work together on the coding project, after being forced into the class by their parents, is especially a stretch of credibility. And the ending is rushed. Also, the biracial aspect of the blended family is not explored in any meaningful depth.
June 17, 2016
I think there are a lot of kids who will see themselves within the pages of this book.
June 6, 2020
It was a fine book, my sisters wanted me to read it so I did. The words are in small print and it's a kinda boring book.
October 18, 2016
This is a warm and gentle book about two girls thrown together because their parents are dating one another. It very nicely presents their feelings of resentment and being out of control of what happens to them, as well as their wishes to do what’s right and move forward. The girls are smart and introspective.
The voices of Naomi Marie and Naomi E. are not distinct enough. Even reading it through in one sitting, I often had to refer to the chapter headings or context details to figure out which girl was penning which chapter. Young readers may find this frustrating. Also, the parents continue to keep the kids in the dark and thrust important decisions on them as surprises. The girls grow as the story progresses, but the parents do not.
The design of the book does not match the target audience. The typeface is small and fussy, and the pages have little white space.
Worth reading if you have patrons in mind who you think are in need of comforting stories about families changing via re-marriage. Not of a time sensitive or trendy nature.
The voices of Naomi Marie and Naomi E. are not distinct enough. Even reading it through in one sitting, I often had to refer to the chapter headings or context details to figure out which girl was penning which chapter. Young readers may find this frustrating. Also, the parents continue to keep the kids in the dark and thrust important decisions on them as surprises. The girls grow as the story progresses, but the parents do not.
The design of the book does not match the target audience. The typeface is small and fussy, and the pages have little white space.
Worth reading if you have patrons in mind who you think are in need of comforting stories about families changing via re-marriage. Not of a time sensitive or trendy nature.
December 26, 2016
Beautifully told story about divorce. I loved the alternating POVs and the exploration of the very complicated emotions that arise when a family is going through such upheaval. Also, Rhuday-Perkovich must have been a librarian or know some librarians because all of those scenes rang soooooooooooooooo true.
June 1, 2020
It is the student who saw me reading this today who said it best - "how did the author know to write MY story?" This is a book that will serve as the right (and maybe first) "mirror" for the readers who truly need it.
June 11, 2017
I am so profoundly grateful my parents didn't split up and force me to mesh my family with another one. This worked out okay, but it seems TERRIBLE.
October 13, 2023
[2.75]
it was cute, but i had hoped for a better connection between these two kids, and their acceptance of this new-brought family.
also the wedding at the end was indeed happening very fast. especially because both of them had not yet gotten used to being a family and working through the fact that change can happen, and you can still keep the things that made you happy before. it's a little overwhelming for them.
also, the way the entire conflict of naomi e. and not seeing her mum got solved is a little bit of a cop-out.
it's a children's book, but i didn't think it flowed very emotionally comprehensively.
it was cute, but i had hoped for a better connection between these two kids, and their acceptance of this new-brought family.
also the wedding at the end was indeed happening very fast. especially because both of them had not yet gotten used to being a family and working through the fact that change can happen, and you can still keep the things that made you happy before. it's a little overwhelming for them.
also, the way the entire conflict of naomi e. and not seeing her mum got solved is a little bit of a cop-out.
it's a children's book, but i didn't think it flowed very emotionally comprehensively.
May 12, 2022
3.5 stars on the blog.
This story is delightful! It's about divorce and blended families. I loved that the author sprinkled in the titles of other good Middle Grade books.
The reason I am giving it 3.5 stars on the blog is there was very little description of sights, sounds, smells, etc; if any. I thought this was a significant deficit for a Middle Grade book.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
This story is delightful! It's about divorce and blended families. I loved that the author sprinkled in the titles of other good Middle Grade books.
The reason I am giving it 3.5 stars on the blog is there was very little description of sights, sounds, smells, etc; if any. I thought this was a significant deficit for a Middle Grade book.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
December 4, 2018
You know those books you want to read in one day because they're so good? Unfortunately, this is not that book. At least, not for me. I really wanted to like this book! I like the idea of having two families come together. It's important for kids, especially ones with divorced parents, to have a book that can be used as a springboard for discussion. I think that's what this book was meant for. Again, I wish I liked it!
Here's what I wish:
I wish the Naomis hated each other for only a few short chapters, then teamed up against their parents! Trust me-- kids would love that! Make it into a parent-trap sort of story!
My issue with the book:
1) The stakes weren't high enough. Who cares about the Duotech presentation? What does either Naomi get out of it? Sure, Naomi Marie wants to do a good job because that's her personality, but what if the winner of the project got a free trip to Disneyland or... maybe the winner got $1,000, which the girls have conflicting ideas of what to do with the money--- or (better yet!) have the same idea for the money, to give it to a charity or something. Any of those ideas would raise the stakes. As it was, I just didn't care about the presentation like Naomi Marie, and I didn't feel bad when Naomi E. didn't help out. Who cares?
2) I couldn't like either Naomi. Because they switched back and forth, and they never fully liked each other (not until, literally, the last two chapters), I could never like either one! Just as I was starting to like Naomi Marie, for example, the next chapter was Naomi E. telling me how bratty Naomi Marie was. And it made me think, yeah! She is bratty. And, you know, what? I don't like you, Naomi E. for pointing that out. So I never liked either character. To top it all off, I could never like Bri, the little sister, because both Noamis were annoyed by her.
3) Too many insignificant details! There were too many references (which I didn't catch, and what 10-11 year old will?) and who cares about the bakeries. I supposed, in the end, the bakeries were a catalyst of the "and not or" message at the end. But what about that street Naomi E. wasn't supposed to cross? Sure, it's a "big deal" that she did it without telling her Dad, but (again) anti-climactic. Nothing happened. Just a big insignificant detail, like all those songs that I don't know and other kids from school that appeared for one scene? They had no purpose.
In conclusion, if you don't have high hopes or don't mind reading about playing with dolls and eating at a bakery, read it. Otherwise, choose something else. You know, something with more at stake.
Here's what I wish:
I wish the Naomis hated each other for only a few short chapters, then teamed up against their parents! Trust me-- kids would love that! Make it into a parent-trap sort of story!
My issue with the book:
1) The stakes weren't high enough. Who cares about the Duotech presentation? What does either Naomi get out of it? Sure, Naomi Marie wants to do a good job because that's her personality, but what if the winner of the project got a free trip to Disneyland or... maybe the winner got $1,000, which the girls have conflicting ideas of what to do with the money--- or (better yet!) have the same idea for the money, to give it to a charity or something. Any of those ideas would raise the stakes. As it was, I just didn't care about the presentation like Naomi Marie, and I didn't feel bad when Naomi E. didn't help out. Who cares?
2) I couldn't like either Naomi. Because they switched back and forth, and they never fully liked each other (not until, literally, the last two chapters), I could never like either one! Just as I was starting to like Naomi Marie, for example, the next chapter was Naomi E. telling me how bratty Naomi Marie was. And it made me think, yeah! She is bratty. And, you know, what? I don't like you, Naomi E. for pointing that out. So I never liked either character. To top it all off, I could never like Bri, the little sister, because both Noamis were annoyed by her.
3) Too many insignificant details! There were too many references (which I didn't catch, and what 10-11 year old will?) and who cares about the bakeries. I supposed, in the end, the bakeries were a catalyst of the "and not or" message at the end. But what about that street Naomi E. wasn't supposed to cross? Sure, it's a "big deal" that she did it without telling her Dad, but (again) anti-climactic. Nothing happened. Just a big insignificant detail, like all those songs that I don't know and other kids from school that appeared for one scene? They had no purpose.
In conclusion, if you don't have high hopes or don't mind reading about playing with dolls and eating at a bakery, read it. Otherwise, choose something else. You know, something with more at stake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2016
The premise is a throwback to classic late 80s & early 90s contemporary middle grade, the kind of literature Judy Blume, Ann M. Martin and Paula Danziger were writing about; everyday kids dealing with everyday situations. Both Naomis are “average” kids, if I can use such a vague term here. No one has suffered major trauma or has significant hardships. They both have loving families and friends. But despite the classic “issue” driven premise, this is modern New York City. The girls have cell phones, attend a coding class, and use Skype.
The big challenge here is to distinguish between the two Naomis. The reader will have no trouble doing so. Naomi E is an only child, Naomi-Marie has a (very precocious) little sister. Naomi E is white, Naomi-Marie is black, this obvious differences leads to a funny moment when Naomi Marie’s little sister Bree suggests they solve the two Naomi problem by calling them “Black Naomi” and “White Naomi.” I love Naomi E’s skepticism, her caution when it comes to friendship or big decisions, her tendency to be sarcastic. She doesn’t suffer fools gladly and doesn’t excite easily. Naomi Marie on the other hand is enthusiasm personified. She is a joiner, a leader, and very competitive. The girls’ personalities may be different but are quite complimentary, something they come to learn (and appreciate) over time.
This isn’t a story about divorce causing irreparable damage to a child. The parent-kid relationships are very positive. Both Naomis’ sets of parents are quite civil and seem to have had amicable divorces. Although Naomi Marie lives with her mother, she sees her father frequently. Naomi E’s mother is away in LA working in film, and her absence is definitely felt by her daughter and is the root of some of her anxieties. They Skype, but Naomi E is starting to crack with the longing to see her mother, and plans are made for that to happen.
There is something fascinating about peeking behind the curtain of someone else’s home life. I felt like this reading Two Naomis. This is a funny, frank and positive exploration of how two tweens deal with their parents’ dating.
The big challenge here is to distinguish between the two Naomis. The reader will have no trouble doing so. Naomi E is an only child, Naomi-Marie has a (very precocious) little sister. Naomi E is white, Naomi-Marie is black, this obvious differences leads to a funny moment when Naomi Marie’s little sister Bree suggests they solve the two Naomi problem by calling them “Black Naomi” and “White Naomi.” I love Naomi E’s skepticism, her caution when it comes to friendship or big decisions, her tendency to be sarcastic. She doesn’t suffer fools gladly and doesn’t excite easily. Naomi Marie on the other hand is enthusiasm personified. She is a joiner, a leader, and very competitive. The girls’ personalities may be different but are quite complimentary, something they come to learn (and appreciate) over time.
This isn’t a story about divorce causing irreparable damage to a child. The parent-kid relationships are very positive. Both Naomis’ sets of parents are quite civil and seem to have had amicable divorces. Although Naomi Marie lives with her mother, she sees her father frequently. Naomi E’s mother is away in LA working in film, and her absence is definitely felt by her daughter and is the root of some of her anxieties. They Skype, but Naomi E is starting to crack with the longing to see her mother, and plans are made for that to happen.
There is something fascinating about peeking behind the curtain of someone else’s home life. I felt like this reading Two Naomis. This is a funny, frank and positive exploration of how two tweens deal with their parents’ dating.
September 7, 2018
Divorce can be complicated and messy, but the two Naomis’ parents have both made the transition as smooth as possible for their children. Naomi Marie’s dad lives nearby and even though Naomi E’s mother lives across the country in California, they Skype every week and she is coming back for a month in the summer.
What isn’t as simple is divorced parents dating. When Tom and Vivian’s relationship becomes “very serious,” they want their two families—and their two ten-year-old Naomis—to meet and become friends. Less excited about this are the two Naomis, especially when they find out their parents want one of them to alter her name because there can’t be two “Naomis,” and they can’t call them White Naomi and Black Naomi as Naomi Marie’s little sister Bri sometimes does.
As they resist their parents’ dinners, family meet-ups, and then a girls’ coding club where the girls will be partners in a project, they find that they just actually might like each other—a little, and, even through somewhat different, they are more alike. “’I’m realizing something,’ I [Naomi E.] tell Annie, ‘I actually like her. I was so mad at Dad about everything that I was almost refusing to let her be my friend, you know?’” (166)
When Naomi Marie worries about Tom trying to take her father’s place, and things changing, Dad says, “We can each shine our own light without dimming anyone else’s…. Sometimes there’s more room in our lives than we realize.” (149)
This delightful novel, narrated in alternating chapters by Naomi Marie and Naomi E is about navigating family, change, divorce-dating-remarriage, friendship, and acceptance.
What isn’t as simple is divorced parents dating. When Tom and Vivian’s relationship becomes “very serious,” they want their two families—and their two ten-year-old Naomis—to meet and become friends. Less excited about this are the two Naomis, especially when they find out their parents want one of them to alter her name because there can’t be two “Naomis,” and they can’t call them White Naomi and Black Naomi as Naomi Marie’s little sister Bri sometimes does.
As they resist their parents’ dinners, family meet-ups, and then a girls’ coding club where the girls will be partners in a project, they find that they just actually might like each other—a little, and, even through somewhat different, they are more alike. “’I’m realizing something,’ I [Naomi E.] tell Annie, ‘I actually like her. I was so mad at Dad about everything that I was almost refusing to let her be my friend, you know?’” (166)
When Naomi Marie worries about Tom trying to take her father’s place, and things changing, Dad says, “We can each shine our own light without dimming anyone else’s…. Sometimes there’s more room in our lives than we realize.” (149)
This delightful novel, narrated in alternating chapters by Naomi Marie and Naomi E is about navigating family, change, divorce-dating-remarriage, friendship, and acceptance.
September 16, 2016
Absolutely a 5 star read - especially for kids who are at the end of the elementary school years. This story will resonate with all of the siblings, single children and kids of divorced parents. Having been associated with (or being myself at one point or another in my life) all of the above, I totally *got* this book. Even if I am more years than I care to count older than the target audience age. I enjoyed the writing (it almost felt as though I was getting inside my daughter's head!) so much. And the story, the setting and the characters... they are all perfect.
This is a must read book full of diversity - when it comes to both families and representation. The range of emotions are diverse. The characters were true to life, unlike those in too many kid lit releases today.
I hope that Two Naomis will stick around on the shelves for many years to come... Libraries, take note: You want this book as part of your circulation.
This is a must read book full of diversity - when it comes to both families and representation. The range of emotions are diverse. The characters were true to life, unlike those in too many kid lit releases today.
I hope that Two Naomis will stick around on the shelves for many years to come... Libraries, take note: You want this book as part of your circulation.
December 22, 2018
Naomi Marie lives with Mom and her sister, Brianna with Dad living down the street. Naomi Edith lives with her Dad and Skypes with her Mom who's across the country. When the Naomis come together because their parents are dating....lovely chaos ensues. They adjust to someone who has their same name while their parents are shifting their attention and focus to the other parent. When the Naomis are put together to take a coding class, do they have what it takes to work together with their worlds changing rapidly?
Really touching story about divorced families, blended families, sibling rivalry, disappointment, hope, and all that good stuff.
Really touching story about divorced families, blended families, sibling rivalry, disappointment, hope, and all that good stuff.
February 9, 2017
Meh. These characters just bored me. The two voices bit doesn't work so well if every other sentence you have to remind yourself which character is talking - they were just too blandly alike. Each main character's best friend seemed kinda awesome. Just pointed out to me how much I didn't like it when I looked forward to their little side bits.
May 15, 2019
This book really gets you into the head of what it is to be a 10yo and watching your parents go through a divorce and then begin dating someone. There's a lot of feelings, and the Naomis navigate those feelings sometimes with about as much maturity as you would expect for their age. But sometimes they surprised me with how honest they could be to their respective parents. A great read!
Want to read
March 13, 2017Dibs on blurbing this for TRL SRP 2018. :)
Was thinking SRP 2017, but I'm thinking I'll do Zoe in Wonderland instead, and they have crazy-similar covers.
Was thinking SRP 2017, but I'm thinking I'll do Zoe in Wonderland instead, and they have crazy-similar covers.
January 5, 2017
This is an important book in a lot of ways: diverse and genuine characters, a difficult situation (2 families possibly coming together, both relatively fresh off divorces), all done through authentic voices. I really loved this one, and will be excited to share it with young readers.
May 22, 2017
Absolutely adored this. Diverse cast and a sweet, authentic story about the emotional journey of blended families becoming, well, families. A must-read!
November 16, 2016
Great book but it's a bit slow
December 2, 2018
This book is great for people who love a taste of real life.
February 14, 2019
Sweet story about a blended family and giving new people a chance. I got a little confused at times about which Naomi was speaking, but I think that was kind of the point. Ages 9 and up.
September 18, 2016
Originally posted here at Random Musings of Bibliophile.
Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick first caught my eye due to its cover (well done Balzer and Bray). I'm so happy that I decided to read it and that this book now exists in the world.
Naomi Marie likes West African dance, board games, and being the best at whatever she attempts to do. She is an excellent big sister and adores her family. She feels lucky that she lives just blocks away from her dad and can visit him whenever she wants despite her parents' divorce.
Naomi Edith likes reading, anything creative, and spending her Saturdays with dad doing the things they love. She desperately misses her mom who has moved to California since her parents' divorce. Skype just isn't the same.
When Naomi M's mother and Naomi E's father begin dating more seriously, the girls are reluctantly thrown together. Both enrolled in a computer programming class at the Y, they don't see why they should have to spend so much time together because their parents like each other.
Two Naomis is one of those books that gets the MG voice so well. Both Naomis come across as incredibly genuine and real. They are very different girls and despite their same names it is not at all confusing. They are so different and their voices sound so much like their characters, that it is never difficult to tell them apart. Naomi M is a force of nature. She is outgoing and a little controlling. She likes to be in charge and often is due to her role as older sister. She cares deeply about her family and friends and puts a high value on loyalty and hard work. Naomi E is less sure of herself. She is more apathetic and takes the easier route in things when she can. She is really struggling with missing her mom and feeling left behind. Different as they are, they are both sympathetic relatable characters that realistically project the MG mindset. Both are a little self consumed and oblivious to things not directly involving them. The cast of secondary characters is well done too. Both Naomis best friends are wonderful. They too are very different from each other AND very different from both Naomis. They are supportive of their friends but also their voices of reason (or at least they try to be). Naomi M's little sister Brianna is all four year old. No filter, too much energy, and a full steam ahead outlook on the world. The parents are all well done too. They make mistakes and behave selfishly at some points, but they are active involved parents who are doing there best. I really like how they talk to the kids and work hard to make the best out of the situations they are in (some of which came from their own mistakes).
The plot of the book centers around the class the two Naomis take together and the project they are partners on, but the crux of the book is about relationships. I really appreciate that this is a book that shows the hard adjustments and compromises that come with one of your parents dating someone else seriously after a divorce. We have a lot of MG books that deal with the process of divorce, right after a divorce, or right after a remarriage, but I can't think of another one that deals with this aspect of the process. Both girls have to sort through a lot of complicated feelings while also learning to work together and compromise. It's just incredibly well done all the way around.
I highly recommend this for all lovers of MG realistic fiction. It is a fun, quick read with excellent characters and wonderful themes. It is definitely a book I'm adding to my list of favorite sibling stories.
I read an ARC made available by the publisher, Balzer and Bray, via Edelweiss. Two Naomis is on sale September 13th.
Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick first caught my eye due to its cover (well done Balzer and Bray). I'm so happy that I decided to read it and that this book now exists in the world.
Naomi Marie likes West African dance, board games, and being the best at whatever she attempts to do. She is an excellent big sister and adores her family. She feels lucky that she lives just blocks away from her dad and can visit him whenever she wants despite her parents' divorce.
Naomi Edith likes reading, anything creative, and spending her Saturdays with dad doing the things they love. She desperately misses her mom who has moved to California since her parents' divorce. Skype just isn't the same.
When Naomi M's mother and Naomi E's father begin dating more seriously, the girls are reluctantly thrown together. Both enrolled in a computer programming class at the Y, they don't see why they should have to spend so much time together because their parents like each other.
Two Naomis is one of those books that gets the MG voice so well. Both Naomis come across as incredibly genuine and real. They are very different girls and despite their same names it is not at all confusing. They are so different and their voices sound so much like their characters, that it is never difficult to tell them apart. Naomi M is a force of nature. She is outgoing and a little controlling. She likes to be in charge and often is due to her role as older sister. She cares deeply about her family and friends and puts a high value on loyalty and hard work. Naomi E is less sure of herself. She is more apathetic and takes the easier route in things when she can. She is really struggling with missing her mom and feeling left behind. Different as they are, they are both sympathetic relatable characters that realistically project the MG mindset. Both are a little self consumed and oblivious to things not directly involving them. The cast of secondary characters is well done too. Both Naomis best friends are wonderful. They too are very different from each other AND very different from both Naomis. They are supportive of their friends but also their voices of reason (or at least they try to be). Naomi M's little sister Brianna is all four year old. No filter, too much energy, and a full steam ahead outlook on the world. The parents are all well done too. They make mistakes and behave selfishly at some points, but they are active involved parents who are doing there best. I really like how they talk to the kids and work hard to make the best out of the situations they are in (some of which came from their own mistakes).
The plot of the book centers around the class the two Naomis take together and the project they are partners on, but the crux of the book is about relationships. I really appreciate that this is a book that shows the hard adjustments and compromises that come with one of your parents dating someone else seriously after a divorce. We have a lot of MG books that deal with the process of divorce, right after a divorce, or right after a remarriage, but I can't think of another one that deals with this aspect of the process. Both girls have to sort through a lot of complicated feelings while also learning to work together and compromise. It's just incredibly well done all the way around.
I highly recommend this for all lovers of MG realistic fiction. It is a fun, quick read with excellent characters and wonderful themes. It is definitely a book I'm adding to my list of favorite sibling stories.
I read an ARC made available by the publisher, Balzer and Bray, via Edelweiss. Two Naomis is on sale September 13th.
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March 19, 2019Originally published here: https://bysinginglight.wordpress.com/...
When Naomi Marie’s mom and Naomi E’s dad start seriously dating, neither girl is very happy. After all, who’s ever heard of two Naomis in the same family? And it’s hard to be okay with big changes, especially when it seems like the adults involved don’t realize how tough it is on their kids. As their parents’ relationship develops, the two Naomis have to navigate a new definition of identity and family.
I’ve wanted to read Two Naomis because my friend Brandy has been talking it up basically since it was published in 2016. And with the sequel published last September, I figured I should finally pick it up!
Stories for middle grade readers are sometimes my favorites, because they don’t pull their punches. Sometimes adults think of books for kids as sweet and light–and there is certainly a place for those. But there is also a place for the books that really take a tough topic and look at it seriously from a kid’s perspective. Here, Rhuday-Perkovich and Vernick write a thoughtful and careful story of a blended family and adapting to change.
Naomi Marie and Naomi E do not instantly take to each other, and they both resent the fact that their parents are trying to push them together (or at least that’s how it feels to them). After all, they’re very different girls even if they do share a name. I was expecting a resolution a bit earlier, but as I thought about it, I actually really appreciated the fact that the story allows them the space to be sad and mad about what’s happening. It felt true and respectful to the kids who might need this story, and it gave the eventual resolution more weight.
I also loved how much the neighborhood shapes the setting of the story. I’ve lived in Midwestern cities for most of my life, and your neighborhood does play such an important part of your experience and perception of the city.
It’s worth mentioning that Naomi Marie is Black and Naomi E is white (as are Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick). Most of the plot doesn’t focus on race, but it comes up in a couple of subtle ways, like Naomi Marie’s little sister’s dolls. I don’t know how this would register for kids, especially white kids who aren’t already used to thinking about race, but I’m glad it wasn’t ignored.
All in all, this is a story that’s thoughtful and generous towards its characters and, by extension, its readers. Recommended for fans of The War that Saved My Life, The Grand Plan to Fix Everything, and Merci Suarez.
When Naomi Marie’s mom and Naomi E’s dad start seriously dating, neither girl is very happy. After all, who’s ever heard of two Naomis in the same family? And it’s hard to be okay with big changes, especially when it seems like the adults involved don’t realize how tough it is on their kids. As their parents’ relationship develops, the two Naomis have to navigate a new definition of identity and family.
I’ve wanted to read Two Naomis because my friend Brandy has been talking it up basically since it was published in 2016. And with the sequel published last September, I figured I should finally pick it up!
Stories for middle grade readers are sometimes my favorites, because they don’t pull their punches. Sometimes adults think of books for kids as sweet and light–and there is certainly a place for those. But there is also a place for the books that really take a tough topic and look at it seriously from a kid’s perspective. Here, Rhuday-Perkovich and Vernick write a thoughtful and careful story of a blended family and adapting to change.
Naomi Marie and Naomi E do not instantly take to each other, and they both resent the fact that their parents are trying to push them together (or at least that’s how it feels to them). After all, they’re very different girls even if they do share a name. I was expecting a resolution a bit earlier, but as I thought about it, I actually really appreciated the fact that the story allows them the space to be sad and mad about what’s happening. It felt true and respectful to the kids who might need this story, and it gave the eventual resolution more weight.
I also loved how much the neighborhood shapes the setting of the story. I’ve lived in Midwestern cities for most of my life, and your neighborhood does play such an important part of your experience and perception of the city.
It’s worth mentioning that Naomi Marie is Black and Naomi E is white (as are Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick). Most of the plot doesn’t focus on race, but it comes up in a couple of subtle ways, like Naomi Marie’s little sister’s dolls. I don’t know how this would register for kids, especially white kids who aren’t already used to thinking about race, but I’m glad it wasn’t ignored.
All in all, this is a story that’s thoughtful and generous towards its characters and, by extension, its readers. Recommended for fans of The War that Saved My Life, The Grand Plan to Fix Everything, and Merci Suarez.
October 23, 2016
The pair of ten-year-old Naomis in this story live in the same city, but would never have met except for the fact that their divorced parents begin dating. Naomi Mari is black, a big sister, and has a mother who is a librarian. Naomi Edith is white and an only child, whose mother has moved all the way to California to pursue a career in costume design. Narrated in alternating chapters by the two Naomis, the father of Naomi Edith and the mother of Naomi Marie after introducing the girls to one another, devise a plan to make sure they spend time together. Both parents surprise the girls by signing them up for a video game-coding class together. When the girls find themselves in the same class, they know their parents are forcing a friendship they aren't prepared for. Both girls try to keep their distance, but end up teamed up together in a competitive class project. The results are amusing, instead of working together they try their best to compete with one another. The final presentation which their parents attend, turns out badly. At the same time, it is obvious that the dating parents are getting very serious about one another. This realistic account of tweens having to accept changes they can't control in their lives is convincing and ultimately positive, but the girls reactions are often taut with anger and confusion. Their parents are both supportive and careful with their girls, however they are not perfect. When Naomi Edith's father prepares a dinner for his new girlfriend and the extended family, everything goes wrong because he doesn't know how to cook. Yet, these are the debacles that make the story fresh and believable. Readers will feel empathy for the two Naomis, and the uncomfortable positions they are placed in, as well as cheer for the resilience and strength of familial love which eventually joins them in a powerful yet realistic way. Readers from divorced families as well as kids who love a great realistic fiction story will devour this one.
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