Author Profile
Pam Muñoz Ryan
19 Books
Pam Muñoz Ryan is an acclaimed American author celebrated for her award-winning children's and young adult literature. She is best known for her powerful middle-grade novels, including the beloved classic Esperanza Rising and the historical fiction tale Riding Freedom. Her diverse catalog also features engaging picture books like When Marian Sang and The Crayon Counting Book, showcasing her ability to weave themes of resilience and cultural heritage for readers of all ages.
A Pinky Is a Baby Mouse, and Other Baby Animal Names
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Animals
Nature
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/5
The Flag We Love
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Culture
History
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/5
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Courage
Fantasy
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/5
Funnie Family Vacation
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Family
Fiction
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/5
Tony Baloney
Tony Baloney
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Animals
Family
-
/5
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride: Based on a True Story
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Biography
Courage
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/5
Esperanza Rising
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Award Winners
Courage
-
/5
Mice and Beans
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Animals
Diverse Voices
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/5
Paint the Wind
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Adventure
Animals
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/5
Nacho and Lolita
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Animals
Birds
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/5
Echo
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Award Winners
Courage
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/5
Mañanaland
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Adventure
Courage
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/5
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick
Biography
Diverse Voices
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/5
The Crayon Counting Book
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Jerry Pallotta
Art
Math
-
/5
Becoming Naomi León
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Linda Herman
Culture
Family
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/5
Hello Ocean
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Mark Astrella
Environment
Nature
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/5
The Dreamer
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Peter Sís, Tony Chiroldes
Award Winners
Biography
-
/5
Riding Freedom
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick, Nuria Molinero, Philippe Poirier, Hélène Georges, Dominique Delord, Pat Lessie
Action
Courage
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/5
Guys Read
Heroes & Villains
Lemony Snicket, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Jon Scieszka, Sharon Creech, Laurie Halse Anderson, Eugene Yelchin, Cathy Camper, Jack Gantos, Ingrid Law, Deborah Hopkinson, Christopher Healy
Adventure
Anthologies
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/5
Did you know that a baby mouse is called a pinky? The animal kingdom is full of adorable babies, and they all have special names!
In this fun and engaging book, you will travel across the globe to discover what different animal babies are called. From the deep ocean to the high mountains, you will meet all kinds of fascinating creatures. You might already know that a baby dog is a puppy, but do you know the name for a baby platypus or a baby skunk? Through playful, bouncing rhymes and beautiful illustrations, you will learn the unique names of over a hundred animal babies.
Perfect for young animal lovers, this charming book makes learning new vocabulary an exciting adventure. Get ready to explore the wild and discover your new favorite animal facts!
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
Have you ever stopped to think about the story behind the stars and stripes? The American flag is more than just a piece of cloth flying in the wind. It is a powerful symbol of history, courage, and the people who built the United States. In this beautifully crafted book, you will take a journey through time to discover the deep meaning behind the nation's most famous emblem. From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the quiet moments of everyday life, the flag has been there to represent hope and freedom. Through stirring poetry and rich historical facts, you will learn how the flag has inspired generations of Americans. Whether it is soaring high above a schoolyard or planted firmly on the surface of the moon, the stars and stripes tell a story of unity and pride. Dive into this captivating exploration and uncover the true spirit of the flag we love.
9-12 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
On the brink of her official coronation, Princess Solimar visits the magical oyamel forest to sit among the beautiful monarch butterflies. While she is there, the sun pierces through a sword-shaped crevice in a boulder, shining a mysterious light on her and sending the butterflies swirling around her in a magical frenzy. Soon after, Solimar realizes she has been given an incredible gift and a heavy burden: she can now predict the near future, and she has become the sworn protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility for a young princess, but tragedy suddenly strikes when a greedy neighboring king invades her home while her father and brother are away. With the remaining villagers taken hostage, Solimar is the only one left to fight back. You will be swept away by this thrilling adventure as a brave young heroine races against time to save her family, her kingdom, and the future of the monarch butterflies.
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Doug Funnie's summer is officially ruined. Instead of hanging out with his friends and attending Beebe Bluff's legendary annual swim party, he is being dragged into the wilderness. The Funnie family is going on a week-long camping trip, and Doug is absolutely certain it will be a complete disaster.
Stuck in the great outdoors with his parents, his dramatic older sister Judy, and a severe lack of modern conveniences, Doug braces himself for the worst vacation ever. How is he supposed to survive a whole week of family bonding when he is missing out on the biggest social event of the season?
But the woods hold a few unexpected surprises for Doug. As the camping trip unfolds, he discovers that surviving the wilderness—and his quirky family—might actually be more entertaining than he thought. Between the unpredictable outdoor adventures and some surprising moments of genuine fun, Doug realizes that this doomed vacation might just be exactly what he needed. And the best surprise of all? Finding out that a certain someone named Patti Mayonnaise actually missed him while he was gone.
9-12 Years
55 Pages
N/A
/5
Tony Baloney
Tony Baloney
By:
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Meet Tony Baloney, a highly energetic macaroni penguin who is full of big ideas and even bigger feelings! Tony loves his favorite stuffed animal, Dandelion, and he loves his family, but sometimes being the middle child is incredibly hard. He has to deal with a bossy older sister who always tells him what to do, and adorable younger twin sisters who get away with everything. When Tony gets into a bit of trouble and causes a major sibling squabble, he has to figure out how to make things right again without losing his cool. This hilarious and highly relatable story perfectly captures the ups and downs of family life. You will laugh out loud at Tony's dramatic antics and cheer him on as he learns how to navigate the tricky, messy, and wonderful world of sibling relationships.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were truly birds of a feather. Not only were they two of the most admired, fearless, and respected women of the twentieth century, but they were also great friends!
On a brisk, cloudless evening in April 1933, these two trailblazers decided to do something completely unprecedented. Leaving behind a formal White House dinner, Amelia and Eleanor sneaked away, commandeered an Eastern Air Transport airplane, and took off on a glorious nighttime adventure over Washington, D.C.—all while still dressed in their glamorous evening gowns!
Based on a thrilling true event, this beautifully illustrated story celebrates the pioneering spirit of two historical icons. Their shared passion for life and adventure gave them the courage to defy the rules and follow their dreams. With soaring text and breathtaking drawings, this inspiring tale encourages you to be bold, break boundaries, and dream just as big as Amelia and Eleanor.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Esperanza thought she would always live a life of wealth and privilege on her family's beautiful ranch in Mexico. She has fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants who cater to her every need. But when a sudden tragedy shatters her perfect world, Esperanza and her mother are forced to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp.
Suddenly, Esperanza must trade her elegant life for hard, exhausting work in the fields. As she faces the harsh realities of the Great Depression, she struggles to adapt to her new circumstances and the financial struggles of her fellow workers. When her mother falls deeply ill, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances.
Can she find the inner strength to support her family and embrace her new life? This beautifully written, award-winning historical fiction novel explores themes of resilience, family, and the power of hope. It is a deeply moving story about losing everything and discovering who you truly are.
9-12 Years
272 Pages
N/A
/5
Rosa Maria is getting ready for a very special celebration! Her youngest grandchild is turning seven, and she is determined to throw the perfect birthday party. She plans a delicious Mexican meal, complete with rice, beans, and a magnificent piñata.
But as she busily prepares the food and sets the house in order, strange things start happening. Important items keep disappearing from her kitchen! Who is taking the missing pieces, and will the party be ruined? Little does Rosa Maria know, a team of helpful, mischievous mice is secretly preparing for a celebration of their own.
Filled with playful rhythms, Spanish vocabulary, and a heartwarming focus on family, this funny and festive story is a joy to read. It even includes a glossary, a pronunciation guide, and a delicious recipe for rice and beans so you can join in the fun!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Maya has spent her entire life locked away in her strict grandmother's house, surrounded by lies and forbidden from talking about her late mother. But everything changes when she is suddenly sent to the rugged wilderness of Wyoming to live with her mother's family. For the first time, Maya is surrounded by wide open spaces, towering mountains, and the thrilling world of wild horses. As she learns to ride and camp under the stars, she feels an unbreakable connection to a fierce, wild mustang named Artemisia. When a devastating earthquake strikes the mountains, Maya and Artemisia are separated from the rest of the camp. Now, they must rely on each other to survive the harsh and unforgiving landscape. This breathtaking adventure takes you on an emotional journey of survival, healing, and freedom. You will be swept away by the majestic beauty of the wild and the powerful bond between a brave young girl and an extraordinary horse.
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Nacho is a rare and majestic pitacoche bird, the only one of his kind for thousands of miles. He has brilliant, colorful feathers and a hauntingly beautiful song. But despite his magnificence, Nacho is lonely. What good is having such a beautiful voice and vibrant colors if there is no one around to share them with?
Everything changes when a flock of swallows arrives to nest in the dry, barren mission of San Juan Capistrano. Among them is Lolita, a sweet and graceful swallow who captures Nacho's heart. Even though they are very different birds, their affection for one another blossoms. But a difficult question looms: what will happen to Nacho when Lolita and her flock must migrate back to South America for the winter?
This tender, beautifully illustrated tale explores the magic of love, sacrifice, and the beauty of nature. Discover how one magnificent bird transforms a barren landscape into a lush haven of flowers and flowing water in this unforgettable story of friendship and devotion.
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, a young boy named Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself swept into a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a magical harmonica. Decades later, this very same harmonica travels across time and continents, landing in the lives of three different children facing their own daunting challenges. In Germany, Friedrich must rescue his father from a dangerous regime. In Pennsylvania, Mike fights to protect his younger brother and keep their family together. And in California, Ivy struggles to find her place in a new community while facing prejudice. As you follow each child's suspenseful solo story, you will discover how they are all pulled by the invisible thread of destiny. Richly imagined and masterfully crafted, this uplifting novel pushes the boundaries of storytelling to create a wholly original adventure. You will be captivated as their separate journeys converge in a beautiful, musical crescendo that will resound in your heart long after the final page.
9-12 Years
585 Pages
N/A
/5
Maximiliano loves stories, especially the legend his grandfather tells about a mythical gatekeeper who guides brave travelers on a journey into tomorrow. If Max could see tomorrow, he would know if he makes the celebrated local soccer team, and more importantly, whether he will ever meet his mother who disappeared when he was just a baby. He longs to know the truth about her, but his father refuses to talk about the past. Everything changes when Max uncovers a deeply buried family secret involving an underground network of guardians who lead people fleeing a dangerous neighboring country to safety. Armed with a treasured compass, a mysterious stone rubbing, and his grandfather's legend as his only guides, Max decides to seek answers on his own. This timeless tale of struggle and hope takes you on a perilous quest into the unknown. You will be captivated by Max's bravery as he discovers what it truly means to be true of heart, protect those in need, and build a better tomorrow.
9-12 Years
151 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into the extraordinary life of Marian Anderson, a young girl with a voice that could move mountains. From her early days singing in local choirs to becoming the very first African American to perform at the legendary Metropolitan Opera, Marian's journey is one of incredible perseverance and breathtaking talent. But her path was never easy. Facing unfair rules and deep prejudice, Marian used the undeniable beauty of her voice to break down barriers and demand equality. This inspiring true story, brought to life with striking illustrations, shows how one woman's courage and dedication to her art helped spark important social change across the nation. Discover the power of a single voice to challenge history and uplift the world in this beautiful tribute to a musical pioneer.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Crayons aren't just for coloring anymore! Grab your favorite shades and get ready to count by twos in two completely different ways. First, you will use the even numbers to count all the way up to twenty-four. Then, you will start over and count using only the odd numbers. Along the way, you will discover unique and unusual colors like iguana and fiddlehead. If those names sound familiar, it is because they come straight from the pages of Jerry Pallotta's beloved alphabet books! This clever, rhyming picture book makes math practice feel like a vibrant art project. With bright illustrations and catchy text, learning your even and odd numbers has never been more fun or colorful. Perfect for young mathematicians and budding artists alike, this engaging read proves that numbers and colors are a perfect match.
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Dive deeper into the beautiful and complex world of Naomi Outlaw with this engaging companion guide designed specifically for the classroom. When reading the beloved novel about a quiet girl discovering her voice and her Mexican heritage, readers often want to explore the themes of family, identity, and courage on a deeper level. This resource provides a wonderful collection of activities, discussion prompts, and creative exercises to accompany the reading journey. You will find thoughtful ways to connect with Naomi's experiences as she travels to Oaxaca, searches for her missing father, and learns to stand up for herself. Perfect for teachers, librarians, and dedicated readers, this guide helps bring the story to life through interactive learning. It encourages students to reflect on their own family histories, understand different cultures, and celebrate the unique qualities that make them who they are.
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Have you ever closed your eyes and simply felt the ocean? Relive the magic of a perfect day at the beach in this beautifully illustrated, poetic journey.
Through spirited, rhyming language, you will experience the draw of the shore using all five of your senses. Feel the cool, salty spray on your face and the wet sand squishing between your toes. Smell the musky scent of the morning tide, hear the crashing waves, and taste the tangy salt on your lips. The ocean is like an old best friend, welcoming you back with open arms.
With crisp, realistic paintings that capture the warmth of the sun and the rush of the surf, this book brings the magic of the beach right to your fingertips. It is a joyful, nostalgic celebration of nature that makes learning about the five senses an absolute delight. Dive in and let the sights, sounds, and sensations of the sea wash over you!
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
From the time he is a young boy, Neftali hears the call of a mysterious voice. Even when the neighborhood children tease him, and his strict father tells him to stop daydreaming, Neftali knows he cannot ignore the beautiful words and sounds whispering in his ear. He listens closely and follows the call as it leads him under the green canopy of the lush rain forest, into the crashing waves of the fearsome sea, and through the persistent Chilean rain. This inspiring voyage of self-discovery will transform his life and, ultimately, the entire world. Step into a beautifully crafted story that blends real history with breathtaking imagination. You will travel alongside a quiet, observant boy on a rare journey of the heart as he grows up to become the legendary poet Pablo Neruda. Discover how finding your own voice can be the greatest adventure of all, and how even the quietest dreamers can change the world with their words.
9-12 Years
388 Pages
N/A
/5
Life at the orphanage is tough, but young Charlotte Parkhurst has a secret weapon: an incredible way with horses. Determined to take control of her own destiny, Charlotte hatches a daring plan. She escapes the orphanage, disguises herself as a boy named Charley, and begins a thrilling new life on the open road. With incredible skill and unmatched bravery, Charley quickly rises to become one of the most famous and respected stagecoach drivers in all of California. You will be on the edge of your seat as Charley outsmarts dangerous bandits, navigates treacherous trails, and pursues a lifelong dream of owning a farm out west. Based on the amazing true story of a legendary figure, this fast-paced adventure explores exactly what it takes to live life entirely on your own terms.
9-12 Years
148 Pages
N/A
/5
Guys Read
Heroes & Villains
What makes a hero? What makes a villain? Dive into a thrilling collection of ten original stories where the lines between good and evil are wonderfully blurred. Curated by Jon Scieszka for his Guys Read Library of Great Reading, this volume is packed with adventure, mystery, and humor, perfect for readers aged 9 to 12. You'll encounter characters with and without capes, facing challenges in everything from fantastical realms and action-packed comic book worlds to contemporary adventures and even real-life historical moments. With tales spanning fantasy, graphic storytelling, and nonfiction, there's a story for every kind of reader. Featuring brand-new contributions from beloved authors like Laurie Halse Anderson, Sharon Creech, Jack Gantos, Lemony Snicket, and more, this anthology invites you to explore different perspectives and decide for yourself: who truly stands for good, and who for evil? Get ready for a fast-paced journey through unforgettable narratives that will keep you turning pages.
9-12 Years
288 Pages
N/A
/5
