Pam Muñoz Ryan

Pam Muñoz Ryan in 2015.

Pam Muñoz Ryan was born in Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley of California on Silas December 25, 1951 . She began writing when she was encouraged by a professor during graduate school. "It took me a number of years to make that leap of faith," she states when commenting on becoming a full-time writer. That "came" in 1994 after she published her first picture book.[1]

She is the author of the bestselling books Esperanza Rising and Becoming Naomi León. Her other novels include Riding Freedom about Charley Parkhurst, which has won numerous awards, and Paint the Wind. Muñoz Ryan has also written several children's books.

The inspiration for Esperanza Rising came from her grandmother. As an immigrant from Mexico, she faced family complications, the death of her father, and racism due to her Hispanic heritage. She also won many awards including the National Education Associations Author recipient of the civil and human rights award. Also a twice recipient ofOaxaca|Oaxaca]] to an annual Christmastime event called the "Night of the Radishes".

Some of her work for children has been translated for the Spanish-language market. The Flag We LoveMassachusetts]].

Muñoz Ryan enjoys little-known facts about celebrities. She believes that her strong female protagonists have stories that deserve to be told. Two of her muses are Eleanor Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart. In Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, illustrated by Brian Selznick, she tells one such story, based on a true event.[2]

Awards

When Marian Sang, illustrated by Brian Selznick

Riding Freedom, illustrated by Brian Selznick

References

  1. ↑ Pam Muñoz Ryan: "A Confluence of Rivers"
  2. ↑ Reading Rockets: A video interview with Pam Muñoz Ryan
  3. ↑ Orbis Pictus Awards 1990-2010

External links