José María Bonilla Ruano (1889–1957) was a Guatemalan writer, artist and pedagogue, best known for his didactical works and modifications made to the Guatemala anthem in 1934.

Before he turned seventeen, Bonilla received his teacher-training certificate from the Central Normal School of Professors.

On 24 October 1930, the Real Academy of Madrid awarded Bonilla his diploma in the class of Foreign Correspondence in Guatemala.

Bonilla published the Curso Didáctico y Razonado de Gramática Castellana (The Didactic and Reasoned Course of Castillan Grammar).

The Guatemalan press highlighted this book and the "Obra de Derecho Internacional Privado" (Work of Private International Rights) by Doctor Jose Matos.