Pat Mora (born January 19, 1942)[2] is an American poet and author of books for adults, teens and children.

We need to be published and to be studied in schools and colleges so that the stories and ideas of our people won't quietly disappear.

[2] Mora has collaborated with her daughter, Libby Martinez, on two children's books: I Pledge Allegiance and Bravo, Chico Canta!

In 1997, she received the official endorsement of REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking for the project.

When choosing a date to kick off Día, she chose April 30 because it was the last day of National Poetry month.

Mora has expressed the desire to have books, celebrations and materials for Día to include "all languages spoken in the United States.

[4] Mora says, "If we want our nation to be a country of readers...[we] need to work together to inspire communities in nurturing reading families.