Alan and Naomi by Myron Leroy

Alan and Naomi by Myron Leroy

During World War II Hitler terrorized all of Europe, but he also affected many people halfway across the world. The historical fiction book, Alan and Naomi by Myron Leroy, shows the effects of WW II on a teen boy. Alan and Naomi takes place in 1943 in New York, NY. The main character is Alan Silverman, a teenage boy who is obsessed with the game of stick ball. Alan and his family are Jewish so they follow the war very closely. Alan is very self-conscience of how he fits in with the other boys who play stick ball. His one true friend is Shaun Kelly. Alan is asked to help out an emotionally unstable girl from France named Naomi. He is hesitant to help at first, but befriends Naomi and helps her overcome her past.  Alan treats the most significant people in his life, Naomi Kirshenbaum, Shaun Kelly, and his dad Sol Silverman with kindness, compassion and respect despite the intensity and exhaustion of WW II.

Alan was confused and didn’t know what to think when he first met Naomi. He thought Naomi was crazy when they first met at the top of the staircase in their building. She was ripping up pieces of paper and had a frightened look on her face. Alan tried to calm her by saying softly, almost in a whisper, “OK… I live here… OK.”  Naomi then started to scream. (12)  This shows that even someone as gentle as Alan can’t say something to Naomi without her getting scared. Alan was curious about why Naomi was like this and wondered how to help her. Once Alan decided to help her, it became clear to him that she was not really crazy. Later on at Holmes Airport, Naomi was chasing Alan’s airplane, happily shouting “I am faster than the plane, Alan!, Look…”.(140)  This indicates how far Naomi has come. She used to be scared and alone tearing paper and now after all the help from Alan she is out having fun. Alan is so happy to see Naomi like this and loves how much he has helped her. Alan’s help paid off and as a reward he got a true friend out of Naomi, a true friend like Shaun.

Alan and Shaun had been good friends for a very long time and enjoyed each other’s company.  They shared a fun relationship where they didn’t get their feelings hurt. One day after stick ball Shaun said “Goodnight Jew” and Alan said “goodnight Catholic screwball.”(11)  This shows that in their relationship they can joke around with each other. Shaun and Alan shared a type of comfort with each other that was special. One day they were at school, and the school bully, Joe Condello, picked a fight with Alan. Alan was getting knocked around when Shaun jumped in and saved him. After the fight, Shaun said “Hey take it easy, slow down” (173) this showed Shaun cared about Alan even after him having to fight. Shaun was also concerned that Alan was hurt. That showed Shaun really cared about Alan. The great friendship that Alan and Shaun had was very fun and light. Alan had a slightly more serious relationship with his father Sol. Alan and his dad had a solid relationship because of understanding and respect. When Alan is reluctant to help Naomi, Sol respects Alan’s decision and understands Alan well enough to tell him “I want you to think about it very hard tonight… I won’t force you to do anything you can’t do.”(21)  This shows that Sol respects Alan and says the right things to help Alan make good decisions. Sol could have yelled at Alan and forced him to help Naomi but he wanted Alan to make the decision on his own. When Naomi goes crazy again Alan is mad. Sol tells him “you are not god… you have done all you can… this isn’t the end.”(191)  Alan is still angry, but he hears his father’s words and thinks about them. When Sol says this he is trying to comfort Alan and give him closure. Alan respects what his dad has to say about Naomi even though he doesn’t agree with him. The respect Alan and his dad had for each other made for a strong relationship.