Author Study:
Pam Munoz Ryan
About:
When Marian Sang
Grades K-4
A true story about a historic and musical icon, who pushed the boundaries of race and gender.Amelia and Eleanor Go For A Ride
Grades K-4
An unexpected adventure of two glass-ceiling-shattering and truly indomitable women.Nacho And Lolita
A story about two unlikely friends, inspired by a Mexican Folktale.
Classroom Integration
When Marian Sang has the potential to prompt discussions about the Civil Rights Movements, and provides an example of an influential and inspirational African-American Woman.
Amelia and Eleanor Go For A Ride has the potential to prompt the discussion about Women's Rights, and traits including dedication and bravery that make up heroes.
Nacho and Lolita has the potential to prompt discussion of friendship, beauty, and folktales.
The Dreamer or El Sonador
The story of a misfit who would become an internationally recognized, and well loved poet.
Riding Freedom or Un Caballo Llamado Libertad
The story of Charlotte Parkhurst, who masqueraded as a man and became a hero and legend. She's recognized as the first woman ever to vote in the United States.
Becoming Naomi Leon
The story of a girl from an unconventional family who learns to be proud of who she is and where she comes from.
Classroom Integration
The Dreamer has the potential to speak to the student who may not fit in with their world at large, through the genre of magical realism. This story is set in Chile, and connects to the poetry of Pablo Neruda.
Riding Freedom has the potential to prompt discussion of Women's rights and gender roles, as well as the traits of grit and resilience.
Becoming Naomi Leon has the potential to prompt discussion of appreciation of other cultures, and appreciating where you come from.
Awards & Notable Mentions
The PEN USA Award
The Pura Belpe Medal
The Americas Award
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor
Scelte di Classe Prize, Italy
Nautilus Book Award GOLD
White Raven Outstanding International Book
NAIBA Carla Cohen Free Speech Award
National Parenting Publications Award GOLD
NCTE Notable Book in the Language Arts
NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
IRA Notable Children's Books for a Global Society
Horn Book Fanfare Book of 2010
Book Industry Guild of New York (Best Book Design)
Kirkus Best Childrens Books of 2010
Smithsonian Notable Book
Booklist Editor's Choice 2010
Distinguished Lyrical Fictionalized Biography (Children's Literature Council)
Premio Letteratura Ragazzi
Riding Freedom
California Young Reader Medal
Teacher's Choice Award
The Willa Cather Award
Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award
Arkansas Young Reader Award Honor
Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award
Texas Bluebonnet Award, Noteworthy
IRA Teachers' Choice
Becoming Naomi Leon
ALA Notable Children's Book
Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Books in the English Language Arts
Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College
ALA Schneider Family Book Award
CCBC Children's Choice List
IRA Notable Book for a Global Society
Americas Award, Commended
Parents' Choice Silver Honor BOok
Skipping Stones Honor, Multicultural and International
When Marian Sang
ALA Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Bank Street College)
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction
Norman A. Sugarman Award for Distinguished Biography
NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride
ALA Notable Children's Book
NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
IRA Notable Book for a Global Society
Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
Starred Review, School Library Journal
Nacho And Lolita
Child Magazine Best Book of the Year
In her own words:
"People frequently ask me, 'What is your motivation to write?' The answer is simple. I want the reader to turn the
page."