ALAN Workshop-Pam Munoz Ryan
ALAN Workshop
Pam Munoz Ryan "Hearts of Fire"
Munoz Ryan is a former teacher and administrator. She writes books for Latinos because she identifies with them. Esperanza Rising was based loosely on her grandmother's immigration from Mexico to the United States. Like many of the authors who have been presenting, she believes that all children deserve to have stories they identify with. Ethnicity should not hold you back. It should thrust you forward.
She looks into other peoples' stories to get a glimpse of different perspectives. "I've come a long way," and there are three reasons for that:
- Those who have lived before her
- Children so they do not forget the experiences and wealth that has come from those who lived before them
- Readers who bring their own experience to her writing
The real hearts of fire are the readers. We don't always live up to a child's expectations. You cannot be something you've never been unless you try something you've never done, and some times we fall short of the mark.
Adolescents often wear their aloofness like armour, but their eyes betray them. They are insecure and afraid, looking for reassurance, hope and a happy ending. They are withstanding not conquering. Life goes on without resolution or knowing what happens next. Through books, we can teach children that the ability to simply go on is often our happy ending...learning to sustain and nurture resiliency.
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Last Updated April 11, 2011
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