Pam Muñoz Ryan is an American author renowned for her captivating books for children and young adults, especially in the multicultural genre. Born on December 25, 1951, in Bakersfield, California, she has become a celebrated figure in the literary world.

Her notable works include the New York Times Best Seller ECHO, a 2016 Newbery Honor Book and winner of the Kirkus Prize. Throughout her career, she has authored over forty books, spanning picture books, early readers, and middle-grade and young adult novels. Some of her acclaimed novels include Esperanza Rising, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi León, Paint the Wind, The Dreamer, and Echo.

Muñoz Ryan is a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, such as the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, the Willa Cather Award, the Pura Belpré Medal, and the PEN USA Award, among others. Her novel Esperanza Rising was commissioned as a play by the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre and has been performed in numerous venues across the U.S.

Her educational background includes a bachelor's and master's degree from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she worked as an early childhood teacher and later as a director of an early childhood program.

Deeply influenced by her half-Mexican heritage, many of her stories reflect this cultural background. She lives in north San Diego County with her family and continues to inspire young readers with her literary contributions.