Podcast appearances and mentions of Sonia Manzano

Join us as we talk to the iconic Sonia Manzano, known by generations for her role as Fix-It Shop co-owner Maria Rodriguez on Sesame Street from 1971 to 2015. Hear stories about her time on the show, her experiences as a writer, and the impact of Sesame Street on her life and career. Sonia also discusses her memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, her role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and voicing Rosa Casagrande on Nickelodeon's The Loud House and The Casagrandes. Plus, learn about her latest creation, the PBS Kids series Alma's Way, which celebrates Latinx culture and empowers young viewers.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about objects of love, and feelings that can't be returned, for very different reasons. In “A Love Letter” by Greg Ames, a boy falls head over heels in a crosswalk. Actor and Young Adult author Maulik Pancholy really captures teen ardor and angst in his reading. And in Kali Fajardo-Anstine's “Sugar Babies,” another teenager learns about adult responsibility from an everyday pantry staple. The reader is Sonia Manzano.

10/16/2024 Mike and cohost, actress Violet Tinnirello welcomed back actress Skywalker Hughes to ConversationsRadio Episode 188! An established actress with a impressive resume, Skywalker is a dual citizen of the USA and Canada. She first signed with an agent in early 2021 and since, has made a name for herself working alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood.  She is known for her role as 'Ashley Schmitt' - the lead role in the Lionsgate feature film 'Ordinary Angels'  Starring opposite Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson. She was cast as Sheridan Pickett, a series regular, on the Paramount Plus drama series, Joe Pickett  - based on the New York Times bestselling book series penned by author, C.J. Box. ' Joe Pickett' became the "Most-Watched Series of All Time" on the Spectrum streaming service and was quickly renewed for a second season. Shortly after renewal it was purchased by Paramount Plus. You can catch Skywalker in all 20 episodes of the series.​ By the time second season had wrapped Skywalker had already landed another series lead on the highly acclaimed Fox anthology series, 'Accused'. She stars alongside Oscar-Winner Keith Carradine in the season finale as JoJo Carlson making history as the series' first lead young actor! Accused was quickly renewed for a second season. As a VO Artist, Skywalker is the voice behind the 'Side Table Drawer' in Season 5 of the popular Nickelodeon animated series Blues Clues and You and guest starred as the voice of Frankie on Season 9 of Nickelodeon's 'Paw Patrol.' She also guest starred as Sonia Manzano on the new children's series 'Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.'   Coming soon, Look for Skywalker to star alongside Rashida Jones, Kate McKinnon and Daveed Riggs in 'In the Blink of an Eye'  and catch her in the Live Action animated film 'I, Object' Follow Skywalker on Instagram @skywalker.hughes Enjoy the Podcast!    

Sonia Manzano is a legend of kids TV. She played Maria on Sesame Street for four decades and changed what children's media looked like. In 2021, she premiered a children's cartoon of her own called Alma's Way. On Bullseye, we're looking back at our conversation with Sonia: she talked with us about the show's first season and her childhood in the Bronx. Plus, what it's like when she meets fans in real life. Turns out: lots of tears!

Host Meg Wolitzer helps a great documentarian celebrate a great American author.  Cather, author of novels like My Antonia and O Pioneers! just had her sesquicentennial—her 150th birthday. And Burns hosted a live evening of her shorter works.  On this program, we feature “The Way of the World,” in which an imaginary town's young “citizens” are rife with romance and rivalry.  The reader is Sonia Manzano.   And a weary farmer's wife recaptures her long-dormant passion for music at “A Wagner Matinee,” read by David Strathairn.

So many kids are in front of so many screens filling their heads with so much content. Are you watching ‘what' they're watching? It matters. We're living in a world where it's very hard to control what our kids are watching on screens. Moms and Grandmas and baby-sitters have all been guilty at times of plopping children in front of a screen to ‘buy time', rather than really sit there and monitor exactly what they're watching. If you're a parent or caretaker of children you need to be aware of ‘what' they're watching because it totally influences how young children think, behave and feel. Both good and bad. I'm a PBS fan. They're the number one children's education media brand and Sarah DeWitt is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS KIDS. She's responsible for the strategic direction of the very dynamic PBS KIDS media service that supports kids 2 to 8, their parents, teachers, caregivers, grandparents, and all the local communities. I invited her to join me to talk about the latest greatest at PBS KIDS and what they know and are utilizing from all the behavioral research time they've invested, in creating 'good for the brain' content. Sarah says, “We know that when kids are watching shows that are really thoughtful and created so that they are learning from them, that it really can model good behavior. It can get kids more interested in learning. It can help them actually learn some really important skills."  "Summertime is a time where often kids kind of have some learning loss between the school years, but media can be a great way to help reinforce some of those things that kids learn in school, or if your kid hasn't started school yet, say a four-year-old getting ready to go to preschool, media can really help with school readiness and get kids kind of in that mindset if you make some good choices and kind of really pay attention to what kids are watching.“ Sarah says, for example for a four-year-old, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is really a great show. It's based on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and all of that research that he did on that show where we know kids really can learn from the media. Daniel Tiger is helping kids recognize how they fit into the world, how they manage their own emotions, but it also gives kids great songs, give parents great songs that can reinforce those lessons at home.  (Sarahs kids, 8 and 11, grew up watching Daniel Tiger and just last night at dinner, she said, one of them sang, you gotta try new foods cause they might taste good. LOL Good job PBS!) Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Sesame Street, address pre-school confusions between friends and miscommunications.  For kids who are a little older, shows like ‘Arthur ‘do a great job addressing things like bullying and being scared or needing to talk to a grown-up.  Sarah says, a really important media habit that they want people to set up that they try to model in their shows, is that when kids watch something or play something or listen to something, they should talk about it with their family, positive or negative.  Even if adults haven't watched the shows their kids watched themselves, they should get in the habit of asking questions about those shows and get their kids to talk about what they're watching.  How kids show up to other kids is a very big thing. And again, a lot of parents don't realize, I'm sure, that some of the stuff their kids are watching on other networks, on their screens, by accident, on YouTube, whatever that platform is, that parents have no clue about, might be creating negative behavior.  PBS KIDS works with child development experts and also subject matter experts so that every one of their shows is based on a curriculum and based on learning frameworks.  Curious George for example, is based on an engineering curriculum. George is really curious, he takes things apart and puts them back together.  “When you talk about child development and identity”, says Sarah, “there are a couple of shows that I think are doing this really well right now. We have a show called Alma's Way. It's created by Sonia Manzano, who was Maria on Sesame Street. This is all about thinking through problems. Alma is playing with other kids, working with other kids. She lives in the Bronx. She's Puerto Rican. And sometimes she messes up. And she has to stop and really think through that problem in order to decide what she's going to do next. “ “Another one that I think is really great is called Rosie's Rules. This one is based on a social studies curriculum. So when you're talking about young kids, that is about who am I in relationship to the members of my family? So like, what does it mean that I am a sister? And how am I a good sister? And how am I a sister to my older step-sister and a sister to my younger brother? But then also getting to the next level of like, what does it mean that I'm in a community? How do I get mail? Who take the garbage out? So it gets into those things as well. “ PBS KIDS work with experts to help them think about the best, most age-appropriate way to introduce some of these ideas and to give kids a foundation that they can then build on as they grow up. As new technology such as AI is being introduced, Sara DeWitt says, "now is the time to have a deeper, more open dialogue about positive digital media experiences for young children, and how we can use these tools to form good media habits that can address topics like children's mental health, school readiness, critical thinking, and ultimately, the importance of human connection." PBS KIDS is making their good-for-the-brain content available to all kids, regardless of access to internet, age of devices, differing learning styles and abilities, and more. If you have or care for young children, I encourage you to take a listen to this short podcast of my warm live conversation with Sarah Dewitt EVP & GM PBS KIDS on The Debbie Nigro Show. Adults need to educate themsleves about how best to educate their children.    

The talented Julian Lerner is quickly becoming a star to watch on not only on the stage, but the big screen. Lerner will next be seen starring as ‘The Artful Dodger' in New York City Center's production of Lionel Bart's “Oliver!” The show also stars Lilli Cooper, Raúl Esparza, Tam Mutu, Benjamin Pajak, and Mary Testa.Lerner can currently be seen in ABC's hit reboot “The Wonder Years.” Lerner plays ‘Brad Hitman,' lead character Dean's (Elisha Williams) best friend, a smart, good-natured kid with a sense of humor. He's described by Adult Dean as “the Pee Wee Reese to my Jackie Robinson. That is, if Pee Wee Reese were Jewish and Jackie Robinson couldn't catch a fly ball.” Set in the same era as the original, the series is a family comedy-drama that looks at how the Williamses, a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, AL, in the turbulent late 1960s made sure it was the Wonder Years for them too. The second season is set to premiere on June 14, 2023. In 2022, Lerner completed production on “Boys of Summer,” a fantasy-adventure film directed by David Henrie. The film, which is set in the summer of 1997, follows a trio of best friends (Lerner, Mason Thames, and Abby James Witherspoon) who team up with a retired detective (Mel Gibson) to confront a supernatural entity that has recently moved to Martha's Vineyard.  Early in 2021, Lerner starred in Netflix's hit film “Yes Day” opposite Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramirez, and Jenna Ortega. Based on the novel of the same name, “Yes Day” follows Allison (Garner) and Carlos (Ramirez) who decide to give their kids a "yes day", where for 24 hours, the children make the rules. Lerner plays their son ‘Nando,' a fun, energetic kid who is slightly nerdy and has a love of science. The film was the streaming giant's second-biggest Kids & Family release – it was watched in nearly 53 million homes.  For the past three years, Lerner has played ‘Lucas' in the animated series “Alma's Way” for PBS. Written by Sonia Manzano, Maria from “Sesame Street,” the show is inspired by her childhood growing up in the Bronx. ‘Lucas' is one of ‘Alma's' best friends and is an aspiring pop singer. Lerner can also currently be heard playing the 12-year-old version of Brian Cox in “From Now,” a podcast series available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The podcast also stars Richard Madden, Erin Moriarty, David Dastmalchian, and more.  On the silver screen, Lerner has been seen in Netflix's “Pottersville” where he starred opposite Michael, Shannon, Judy Greer, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, and more. He was also featured in Netflix's animated adaptation of the best-selling video game “Dragon Quest.”  On the stage, he starred in the out-of-town trial for a new Broadway show in Fall 2019 called “Last Days of Summer” as well as touring the country in the National Broadway Tour of Les Misérables.  Lerner currently resides in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about objects of love, and feelings that can't be returned, for very different reasons. In “A Love Letter,” by Greg Ames, a boy falls head over heels in a crosswalk.  Actor and YA author Maulik Pancholy really captures teen ardor and angst in his reading. And in Kali Fajardo-Anstine's “Sugar Babies,” another teenager learns about adult responsibility from an everyday pantry staple.   The reader is Sonia Manzano, best known for her role on Sesame Street. 

In this Hour Of The Best Of Len Berman and Michael Riedel, the team spoke to Rob Astorino, Sonia Manzano, who happens to be Time Person of the Year. Interview With Sam Roberts Who Is The Great New Yorkers Book Author. In addition, Some Talk About The Biggest Turnoffs for Men.

On this episode of Shelf Care: The Podcast, it's the most wonderful time of the year! That's right, it's Editors' Choice time, when we here at Booklist pick the best of the best for 2022. As in years past, Booklist editors picked some standouts from the list to shout out in this Very Special Episode of Shelf Care, and here's what we talked about: Donna Seaman, Editor, Adult Books: The Swimmers, by Julie Otsuka (Top of the List Adult Fiction) Africa is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent, by Dipo Faloyin (Top of the List Adult Nonfiction) Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, by Kate Beaton, art by the author (Top of the List Adult Graphic Novel) Booklist Reader Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern, by Neil Baldwin Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins, by Aidan Levy Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver Liberation Day, by George Saunders Out There, by Kate Folk How to Read Now, by Elaine Castillo Sarah Hunter, Editor, Books for Youth: Farmhouse, by Sophie Blackall, illus. by the author Maya's Song, by Renée Watson, illus. by Bryan Collier Our Crooked Hearts, by Melissa Albert My Aunt is a Monster, by Reimena Yee, art by the author (Top of the List Youth Graphic Novel) Squire, by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh, art by Sara Alfageeh Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, by Kate Beaton, art by the author Heather Booth, Editor, Audio: Listening Still, by Anne Griffin, read by Nicola Coughlan (Top of the List Adult Audio) Journal of a Traveling Girl, by Nadine Neema, read by the author (Top of the List Audio for Youth) The Babysitter Lives, by Stephen Graham Jones, read by Isabella Star LaBlanc Inside Voice: My Obsession with How We Sound, by Lake Bell, read by the author and a full cast Thank You for Listening, by Julia Whelan, read by the author The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, by Janelle Monáe, read by Janelle Monáe and Bahni Turpin Marple: Twelve New Mysteries, by Agatha Christie and others, read by a full cast Love & Saffron, by Kim Fay, read by a full cast Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew, by Michael W. Twitty, read by the author Tell Me Everything, by Erica Krouse, read by Gabra Zackman I Must Betray You, by Ruta Sepetys, read by Edoardo Ballerini and Ruta Sepetys Coming Up Cuban: Rising Past Castro's Shadow, by Sonia Manzano, read by a full cast Hilo: Books 1—3, by Judd Winick, read by a full cast Demon in the Wood, by Leigh Bardugo, read by a full cast Ronny Khuri, Senior Editor, Books for Youth: A is for Bee: An Alphabet Book in Translation, by Ellen Heck, illus. by the author (Top of the List Picture Book) Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle, by Nina LaCour, illus. by Kaylani Juanita Annie Bostrom, Senior Editor, Adult Books: Stay True, by Hua Hsu Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, by Kate Beaton, art by the author Maggie Reagan, Senior Editor, Books for Youth: All My Rage, by Sabaa Tahir (Top of the List Youth Fiction) Alone Out Here, by Riley Redgate Kiss and Tell, by Adib Khorram Susan Maguire, Senior Editor, Adult Books: By Her Own Design, by Piper Huguley Lark Ascending, by Silas House Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution, by R. F. Kuang Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto, by Tricia Hersey Julia Smith Senior Editor, Books for Youth: The Honeys, by Ryan La Sala Hell Followed with Us, by Andrew Joseph White Lily and the Night Creatures, by Nick Lake Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal about the Japanese American Incarceration, by Elizabeth Partridge, illus. by Lauren Tamaki. (Top of the List Youth Nonfiction)

Scholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval. In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity. "Social upheavals affect everyone. I wanted to write a novel that examined the impact the 1959 Cuban Revolution had on four children. Through these four separate life stories, I hope our readers see how interconnected we all are, regardless of any tumultuous times we might be living in. Scholastic, with their everlasting focus on diverse books, are the perfect publishers," said Manzano. In this novel, two of the kids make it out of Cuba, one of them flown out as part of a program called Operation Peter Pan and brought to Miami. Over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors were sent to the USA under this system by frightened parents who hoped to protect them from the real or rumored Castro policies. Two are left behind, where poverty and uncertainty lurk. Perfect for fans of Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Refugee by Alan Gratz, COMING UP CUBAN imparts resonant and interwoven tales of children enduring trying moments in history, as they grow through these emotionally‐charged experiences. The book is also the first in a new four‐book publishing program between Manzano and Scholastic.

Scholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval. In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity. "Social upheavals affect everyone. I wanted to write a novel that examined the impact the 1959 Cuban Revolution had on four children. Through these four separate life stories, I hope our readers see how interconnected we all are, regardless of any tumultuous times we might be living in. Scholastic, with their everlasting focus on diverse books, are the perfect publishers," said Manzano. In this novel, two of the kids make it out of Cuba, one of them flown out as part of a program called Operation Peter Pan and brought to Miami. Over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors were sent to the USA under this system by frightened parents who hoped to protect them from the real or rumored Castro policies. Two are left behind, where poverty and uncertainty lurk. Perfect for fans of Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Refugee by Alan Gratz, COMING UP CUBAN imparts resonant and interwoven tales of children enduring trying moments in history, as they grow through these emotionally‐charged experiences. The book is also the first in a new four‐book publishing program between Manzano and Scholastic.

Scholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval. In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity. "Social upheavals affect everyone. I wanted to write a novel that examined the impact the 1959 Cuban Revolution had on four children. Through these four separate life stories, I hope our readers see how interconnected we all are, regardless of any tumultuous times we might be living in. Scholastic, with their everlasting focus on diverse books, are the perfect publishers," said Manzano. In this novel, two of the kids make it out of Cuba, one of them flown out as part of a program called Operation Peter Pan and brought to Miami. Over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors were sent to the USA under this system by frightened parents who hoped to protect them from the real or rumored Castro policies. Two are left behind, where poverty and uncertainty lurk. Perfect for fans of Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Refugee by Alan Gratz, COMING UP CUBAN imparts resonant and interwoven tales of children enduring trying moments in history, as they grow through these emotionally‐charged experiences. The book is also the first in a new four‐book publishing program between Manzano and Scholastic.

Scholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval. In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity. "Social upheavals affect everyone. I wanted to write a novel that examined the impact the 1959 Cuban Revolution had on four children. Through these four separate life stories, I hope our readers see how interconnected we all are, regardless of any tumultuous times we might be living in. Scholastic, with their everlasting focus on diverse books, are the perfect publishers," said Manzano. In this novel, two of the kids make it out of Cuba, one of them flown out as part of a program called Operation Peter Pan and brought to Miami. Over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors were sent to the USA under this system by frightened parents who hoped to protect them from the real or rumored Castro policies. Two are left behind, where poverty and uncertainty lurk. Perfect for fans of Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Refugee by Alan Gratz, COMING UP CUBAN imparts resonant and interwoven tales of children enduring trying moments in history, as they grow through these emotionally‐charged experiences. The book is also the first in a new four‐book publishing program between Manzano and Scholastic.

Scholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval. In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity. "Social upheavals affect everyone. I wanted to write a novel that examined the impact the 1959 Cuban Revolution had on four children. Through these four separate life stories, I hope our readers see how interconnected we all are, regardless of any tumultuous times we might be living in. Scholastic, with their everlasting focus on diverse books, are the perfect publishers," said Manzano. In this novel, two of the kids make it out of Cuba, one of them flown out as part of a program called Operation Peter Pan and brought to Miami. Over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors were sent to the USA under this system by frightened parents who hoped to protect them from the real or rumored Castro policies. Two are left behind, where poverty and uncertainty lurk. Perfect for fans of Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Refugee by Alan Gratz, COMING UP CUBAN imparts resonant and interwoven tales of children enduring trying moments in history, as they grow through these emotionally‐charged experiences. The book is also the first in a new four‐book publishing program between Manzano and Scholastic.

Scholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval. In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity. "Social upheavals affect everyone. I wanted to write a novel that examined the impact the 1959 Cuban Revolution had on four children. Through these four separate life stories, I hope our readers see how interconnected we all are, regardless of any tumultuous times we might be living in. Scholastic, with their everlasting focus on diverse books, are the perfect publishers," said Manzano. In this novel, two of the kids make it out of Cuba, one of them flown out as part of a program called Operation Peter Pan and brought to Miami. Over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors were sent to the USA under this system by frightened parents who hoped to protect them from the real or rumored Castro policies. Two are left behind, where poverty and uncertainty lurk. Perfect for fans of Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Refugee by Alan Gratz, COMING UP CUBAN imparts resonant and interwoven tales of children enduring trying moments in history, as they grow through these emotionally‐charged experiences. The book is also the first in a new four‐book publishing program between Manzano and Scholastic.

In this episode, we're celebrating Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month with three favorite Scholastic authors. First, Carmen Agra Deedy talks about her extraordinary new picture book, The Children's Moon. Illustrated by Jim LaMarche, the book is available in both English and Spanish editions. Carmen is a master storyteller who was born in Havana, Cuba, and grew up in Decatur, Georgia. Her acclaimed picture books include Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale, Rita & Ralph's Rotten Day, and The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet. Next, author and actress Sonia Manzano, known to generations of kids as the beloved Maria on Sesame Street, discusses Coming Up Cuban, her lyrical new novel for middle graders. Sonia, who has won 15 Emmy Awards, is also the author of Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx and The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, which won the Pura Belpre Award in 2013. Sonia's animated series for PBS Kids, Alma's Way, was recently renewed for a second season. Inspired by her own childhood, it features a 6-year-old New Yorker of Puerto Rican heritage. Last but not least, Claribel A. Ortega introduces Witchlings, her highly-anticipated novel for middle-graders. The imaginative story follows a group of aspiring witches who learn that the magic in their lives is found not so much in the spells they cast but in the friendships they make. A former newspaper reporter of Dominican heritage, Claribel is also the author of Ghost Squad, a New York Times bestseller.

Children's programming has evolved significantly since Sesame Street first debuted on PBS in 1969. On this week's Disrupted, we revisit our conversation with actor Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street for more than 40 years. And we talk to a child psychologist who consulted on the creation of kids shows like Bear in the Big Blue House and Gullah Gullah Island. GUESTS: Sonia Manzano: Actress, best known for work as Maria on Sesame Street. She's also the creator of the animated kids show Alma's Way and author of the book, Coming Up Cuban: Rising Past Castro's Shadow Daniel R. Anderson: Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a former consultant for Nickelodeon and Sesame Workshop Disrupted is produced by J. Carlisle Larsen, Kevin Chang Barnum, and Catie Talarski. This episode of Disrupted was produced by James Szkobel-Wolff and Zshekinah Collier.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bethany and Izzy are joined by special guests Ashley (Bookish Realm) and Bre (The Loc'd Booktician) to help you figure out where to start reading graphic novels and Manga! Thank you to our Patron Sarah for suggesting the topic for this episode. Bookish Realm: https://www.youtube.com/c/BookishRealm Loc'd Booktician: https://www.youtube.com/c/Loc%E2%80%99DBooktician Looking for a book mentioned in the episode? Check here! *Note that all links are affiliate links from which we earn a commission to support the podcast Books Mentioned   Monster: https://amzn.to/3Ptwv6F Blood on the Tracks: https://amzn.to/3QyaNiK Tokyo Ghoul: https://amzn.to/3QxpQsJ Food Wars: https://amzn.to/3zFkG7a Batman Court of Owls  https://amzn.to/3QARxkE Something is Killing the Children: https://amzn.to/3QgkBOB Love in Focus: https://amzn.to/3bI5Kxe That Wolf Boy is Mine: https://amzn.to/3BWepqr Wotokoi: Love is Hard for Otaku: https://amzn.to/3QdMCGh Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon: https://amzn.to/3Qy9HTZ Nana: https://amzn.to/3QAeyEd Sweat and Soap: https://amzn.to/3wijF4r Seaside Stranger: https://amzn.to/3JZAOWd If I Could Reach You: https://amzn.to/3PcICob How Do We Relationship: https://amzn.to/3dnr23N Yona of the Dawn: https://amzn.to/3p7jIvR Drops of God: https://amzn.to/3JLkFn0 Moriarty the Patriot: https://amzn.to/3Pelo12 Uzamaki: https://amzn.to/3Qyb84P Deathnote: https://amzn.to/3QAfEjj Fruits Basket: https://amzn.to/3BXQmrk Laidback Camp: https://amzn.to/3AbYFyi Days on Fes: https://amzn.to/3dkvaS2 The Devil is a Part Timer: https://amzn.to/3vWXRLj A Sign of Affection: https://amzn.to/3dlpMy9 Your Lie in April: https://amzn.to/3vVipUy Sasaki and Miyano: https://amzn.to/3vTIraJ Zom 100: https://amzn.to/3JRATej Witch Hat Atelier: https://amzn.to/3zJVNaF Blue Flag: https://amzn.to/3AanpXM Something's Wrong With Us: https://amzn.to/3p5IkVP Monstress: https://amzn.to/3bJcvit Saga: https://amzn.to/3P8jpLO Paper Girls: https://amzn.to/3QvBaX3 Y The Last Man: https://amzn.to/3Q8Hpjb The Runaways: https://amzn.to/3AcCmst Persepolis: https://amzn.to/3zKTXWY Locke and Key: https://amzn.to/3AbvqM1 The Nice House on the Lake: https://amzn.to/3PgvRJx Rachel Rising: https://amzn.to/3SIghsU The Tea Dragon Society: https://amzn.to/3BVQdEN Heartstopper: https://amzn.to/3JOgGpF Silver Coin: https://amzn.to/3bIZc1x Ice Cream Man: https://amzn.to/3bHHbAL Giant Days: https://amzn.to/3bR0tDz Archie: https://amzn.to/3Aa79pS BRZKRKR: https://amzn.to/3BXbdLp Lazarus: https://amzn.to/3QycJYn Radiant Black: https://amzn.to/3QtZlV2 Fable: https://amzn.to/3QhyfAO Wicked and the Divine: https://amzn.to/3QhPvGb Lore Olympus: https://amzn.to/3SIgQTy Far Sector: https://amzn.to/3SG2QK9 Chef's Kiss: https://amzn.to/3bItlhh Sweetness and Lightning: https://amzn.to/3AdsI99 Adventure Zone: https://amzn.to/3dnzFev Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu: https://amzn.to/3AcMlxW Books from On My Radar Babel by RF Kuang: https://amzn.to/3vWnzQd You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa: https://amzn.to/3C0i9HB Nubia and the Amazons: https://amzn.to/3QyewNg To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins: https://amzn.to/3JOijUy Aphrodite and The Duke by JJ McAvoy: https://amzn.to/3P8llny All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers: https://amzn.to/3bNJ5zF A Taste of Magic by J. Elle: https://amzn.to/3pal09u Amari and the Great Game by BB Alston: https://amzn.to/3zOItBV Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean: https://amzn.to/3SGyYx9 Much Ado about Dukes by Eva Devon: https://amzn.to/3SEHyN0 Bonds of Chaos by Zack Argyle: https://amzn.to/3JKBaja Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak: https://amzn.to/3QAizbL Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter: https://amzn.to/3Qy4eMT Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney: https://amzn.to/3A9gvlI Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://amzn.to/3C0jez9 Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus: https://amzn.to/3PgZudD A Girl's Guide to Love and Magic by Debbie Rigaud: https://amzn.to/3donvCp Coming up Cuban by Sonia Manzano: https://amzn.to/3P8Y44Q Wonder Girl: Homecoming: https://amzn.to/3SDZZBj Their Vicious Darling by Nikki St. Crowe: https://amzn.to/3Pe8vEj The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez: https://amzn.to/3SFC1pp A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland: https://amzn.to/3zPqiMg   Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok @Chapter3Podcast or watch episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6yRiktWbWRAFpByrVk-kg Interested in early access to episodes, private Discord channels and other perks? Consider joining the Chapter 3 Patreon!  Co-Hosts  Bethany: https://www.youtube.com/c/beautifullybookishbethany Liene: https://www.youtube.com/c/LienesLibrary Izzy: https://www.youtube.com/c/HappyforNow

Ryan Gorman hosts an iHeartRadio nationwide special featuring Dr. Greta Massetti, a Principal Incident Management Team member, part of the CDC's COVID-19 Response Team. Dr. Massetti broke down the latest CDC COVID-19 guidance and recommendations. Then, 15-time Emmy Award Winner Sonia Manzano checks in to discuss her time playing “Maria” on Sesame Street, her leadership within the Hispanic community, and her new book on the 1959 Cuban Revolution.

SONIA MANZANO you know her as MARIA from Sesame Street-When she joined the show in 1971, did she think she would be one-and-done?-What was it like working on Sesame Street-Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch-Why a novel like COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOWAnd, so much more.  We love Maria!!!  Photo Courtesy: Sesame Street PBS

Sharing with the world the several sides of what it was like post 1959 in Cuba.

Sharing with the world the several sides of what it was like post 1959 in Cuba.

Today on the Tim DeMoss show, it's our Famous Friday program! we're joined by former Phillies pitcher Paul Byrd! Byrd currently is a TV sports broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves games on Bally Sports Southeast. He talks Phillies and Braves baseball, and more about the passing of baseball broadcasting legend Vin Scully, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.  Our other special guest, Sonia Manzano, joins us later on in the show. Manzano is best known for playing Maria on Sesame Street, from 1971 until her departure in 2015. She reminisces about her time on the hit children's TV show, and shares more about her new book, Coming Up Cuban: Rising Past Castro's Shadow. We cap the Famous Friday Show off with our Now THAT'S Punny segment! Sports clips: Philadelphia Phillies Interim manager Rob Thomson New Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Noah Syndergaard Sonia Manzano photo credit: Edwin PaganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT SONIA MANZANO AND COMING UP CUBANScholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval.In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity.SONIA MANZANO BIOSonia Manzano is a groundbreaking Latina educator, executive television producer, and award‐winning children's book author. A first‐generation mainland Puerto Rican, she has affected the lives of millions of parents and children since she was offered the opportunity to play "Maria" on Sesame Street (which she continued to do for 44 years, from 1971‐2015). Manzano has received 15 Emmys for writing television scripts, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Award, the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Arts and Sciences. People magazine named Sonia one of America's most influential Hispanics. Her critically acclaimed children's books include The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, which won a Pura Belpré Honor Award, and the stunning young adult memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx. Sonia's new animated series, Alma's Way, follows a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx and her family. It premiered in fall 2021 on PBS Kids in partnership with Fred Rogers Productions. Manzano resides in New York City with her husband Richard Reagan, whom she married in 1986, and their daughter Gabriela.Get the Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Up-Cuban-Rising-Castros/dp/1338065157

She starred on Broadway before landing the Sesame Street gig. She was on the show for 44 years.

"Entertainment is a place where you can make other people feel and enjoy stuff when you're doing it, you can make people laugh, cry, and make people feel the same emotions while in character, while still having fun"Meet Miss Emily Isabel, a 13-year-old actress, singer, and model. She currently is a part of the Unicorn Jazz TV Series w/Lisa Caprelli on Amazon Prime. Her recent works also include playing the part of Brigitta during The Sound of Music's national tour, appearing on SNL in one of their holiday episodes and she is also the voice of Becca on Alma's Way on PBS Kids created by Sonia Manzano. Whew! Quite an impressive resume and it's only growing more and more. Listen in as Emily shares:Why she chose to pursue a career in entertainmentAdvice for parents whose children express an interest in the performing artsHow she handles rejection both on and off the stage, and more!Connect with Emily:https://unicornjazz.com/sound-of-music-be-everything-you-want-to-be-emily-isabelEmily Isabel (@emilyisabel.official) • Instagram photos and videosFind more conversations with fierce females or register to share your story at:www.haveaseatconversations.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/haveaseat)

Sonia Manzano, the actor and author who played Maria for nearly five decades on "Sesame Street" will be the guest in this spring's edition of The Creative Life: A Conversation Series at UAlbany, appearing at the Performing Arts Center at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. She will be in conversation with WAMC's Joe Donahue. That evening, also at UAlbany, Manzano will perform as part of a Selected Shorts live event which will feature Manzano along with Patricia Kalember, and Bhavesh Patel.

Selected Shorts is getting a new host. The public radio and podcast series, created by Symphony Space, has tapped author Meg Wolitzer to become the first permanent host of show since the death of Symphony Space founder Isaiah Sheffer in 2012. After a decade of writers and artists serving as the host of events in the series, those duties will fall to Wolitzer, whose own stories have been performed in the series. She has written bestsellers including “The Wife,” “The Interestings” and “The Female Persuasion.”Selected Shorts will be at UAlbany on April 30 featuring actors Sonia Manzano, Patricia Kalember, and Bhavesh Patel. The event is presented in collaboration with the UAlbany Performing Arts Center with support from the University at Albany Foundation, University Auxiliary Services, and the Office of Intercultural Student Engagement.Selected Shorts will be at 7:30 p.m. prior to that, at 4 p.m. WAMC's Joe Donahue will be in conversation with Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street) for the Creative Life Conversation Series.

For more than 50 years, PBS's Sesame Street has brought quality educational programming to children around the globe. And while we may take it for granted now, Sesame Street upended the conventional ideas of kids television. This week, a look inside the creation of children educational TV. Guests: Sonia Manzano: Actress, best known for work as Maria on Sesame Street. She's also the creator of the animated kids show Alma's Way and author of the forthcoming book,Coming Up Cuban: Rising Past Castro's Shadow. Daniel R. Anderson: Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a former consultant for Nickelodeon and Sesame Workshop Disrupted is produced by James Szkobel-Wolff, Zshekinah Collier and Catie Talarski. Our interns are Michayla Savitt and Sara Gasparotto. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sonia Manzano has gone from teaching us our ABCs & 123s on Sesame Street to highlighting #PuertoRican culture in her new children's show on PBS, Alma's Way. We sit down with the 15x Emmy winner and accomplished author to discuss Alma's Way, her early experiences as one of the first Latinas on TV, Willie Colón visiting her home as a kid, and what being Puerto Rican means to her.  Guest: Sonia Manzano ★ Actor, Author, Creator/Executive Producer of Alma's Way, and formerly Maria on Sesame Street Host: Joshua Smyser-DeLeon's Twitter ★ https://twitter.com/jsdeleon   ★ Follow & Support the Show ★ Donate ★ https://www.savechicagomedia.org Pitch A Story ★ https://www.paseomedia.org/contact Podcast Website ★ https://www.paseomedia.org YouTube ★ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiErkggr7eqspgCfR9jUOZA Facebook ★ https://www.facebook.com/paseopodcast Twitter ★ http://twitter.com/PaseoPodcast Instagram ★ https://www.instagram.com/paseopodcast Apple Podcasts ★ http://ow.ly/9Agz50COMEF Google Podcasts ★ http://ow.ly/u80T50COMF1 Spotify ★ http://ow.ly/2g8h50COMFo ★ About Our Guest(s) ★ Sonia Manzano ★ https://soniamanzano.com Alma's Way ★ https://pbskids.org/almasway ★ In the News ★ Block Club Chicago Feature on the Podcast ★ http://ow.ly/MWu550COMH Chicago Public Library Pane: Who Tells Your Story? Celebrating Chicago Community Media ★ https://youtu.be/Jtpf9YQgFqA ★ Partners + Additional Credits ★ CIMA ★ https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/independent-media-alliance-about-cima/Content?oid=82156315 Puerto Rican Cultural Center Website ★ https://prcc-chgo.org Sounds ★ MEINL Percussion

This week on The Sunday Magazine with Piya Chattopadhyay: • Transit guru Andy Byford on the future of public transportation • Why a First Nations community is trying to rebuild its Catholic church • Science journalist Catherine Price on the value of fun in trying times • Sesame Street star Sonia Manzano builds on her legacy with a new kids' show Discover more at https://www.cbc.ca/sunday

Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on "Sesame Street" for four decades, tells CBS News' Lilia Luciano about her new PBS Kids' show - “Alma's Way." Influenced my Manzano's own childhood in the South Bronx, the new animated series follows a six-year Nuyorican as using critical thinking to navigate life decisions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Here she comes! Sonia Manzano, Fred Rogers Productions, and PBS Kids are bringing you Alma's Way, and DJ Bob is joined by the head writer of the fantastic new series for kids and families, Jorge Aguirre! Bob and Jorge discuss cultural representation, working with such important figures in the children's television world like Sonia Manzano, disability inclusion in the series & a lot more! Check your local listings or head to the Alma's Way website for more info, games, and episodes!

For many “Maria” on Sesame Street was the first Latina they remember seeing on television. Sonia Manzano, who played the iconic character for 44 years, joins us to reflect on her role on one of the most successful children's series of all time and explain what inspired her to return to the small screen with her new kids show “Alma's Way.”

In this episode, we celebrate Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month with some favorite Scholastic authors. First, Sonia Manzano revisits her 2015 memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx. You may know Sonia as Maria, the beloved character she played on Sesame Street for more than 30 years. Growing up in a struggling Puerto Rican family in the 1950s, Sonia wondered how she could contribute to a society that didn't see her. “I felt invisible,” she says. Her story of resilience and hope continues to inspire readers of all ages. Host Suzanne McCabe also talks with Pam Muñoz Ryan, the award-winning author of Esperanza Rising and several other celebrated novels. Pam discusses the genesis of her latest book, an enchanting novel for middle-graders called Mañanaland. The mythical tale introduces readers to a brave boy named Max, who learns what it means to help people fleeing danger and persecution. In the final segment, author Justin A. Reynolds and illustrator Pablo Leon introduce their new graphic novel, Miles Morales: Shock Waves. It is already a hit with young Marvel fans. “Maybe you're not able to have web slingers and scale the city walls,” Justin tells kids, “but your voice can travel just as far.”

How do you talk to kids about sex? Or drug use? Or bullying? What makes children feel comfortable enough with adults that they are willing to disclose abuse or trauma? Having conversations with young people about difficult topics can feel daunting to any adult. But talking about trauma is an important part of healing. Sonia Manzano spent years making kids feel comfortable playing the role of Maria on Sesame Street. We listen back to a conversation with Manzano, and Desiree Bansile, a Wraparound Partner Manager for Youth ERA, Dr. Kristan Collins, a pediatrician, and Bob Stewart, Superintendent of the Gladstone School District.

Boston Harbor Islands National Park (0:00:00) When you think about a vacation, do you think of stargazing, camping, fishing, swimming, or visiting the coast? Today we're talking about a national park that offers all of that and more to its visitors. Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is just a few minutes away from downtown Boston, making it a unique and fun place to visit. Plus, you have the chance to check out their city's fun shops and restaurants after enjoying the park. Cathy Radonic is an employee at Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. We've invited her onto the show today to tell us more about this beautiful place.   Helping Stray Animals (0:13:57) Pets are adored by millions of people around the world–we idolize them through memes, capture their funny behavior, and even make them cute little outfits to wear. But with how easy it is to own a pet in our country, there comes an unfortunate side effect: pet homelessness. There are nearly 70 million stray animals currently living in the U.S. Because of these sizeable populations, it's not uncommon to see a stray animal during your daily routine, but it's hard to know what to do when you find one. So how do you identify if an animal is stray, and what should you do to help if it's lost? Joining us on the show today is Sundays Hunt, the state director for the Utah Humane Society, here with us to discuss the best ways to help stray pets.   Culture Bound Syndrome (0:33:47) Depression, anxiety, OCD—all mental illnesses with which most Americans are familiar, having either experienced it themselves or knowing someone who has. But what about a sickness like Koro or Hwa-byung or reflechi twòp? Unless you or your family comes from Singapore or Korea or Haiti, it's unlikely that you've had any experience with or have even heard of these ailments. Rather, these are all examples of illnesses known as culture-bound syndromes. Here to discuss with us what culture bound syndromes are and how the American method of diagnosing and treating mental illnesses can benefit from their study, is Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Boston Medical Center and Professor Dr. David Henderson.   A World Together (0:52:50) When we were kids and the world seemed confusing or scary, there were special books, TV shows or movies that we could go to comfort and understanding. For kids across generations, Sesame Street was one of those havens. And now, Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street for 44 years, is working to provide a new source of comfort and understanding through writing, with her new book A World Together. Here to tell us a little bit more about her work is Sonia herself.   Mini Book Club: Fan Fiction (1:08:50) Rachel Wadham, of BYU Radio's World's Awaiting, talks with Lisa and Richie about the fan fiction books that are actually worth checking out.   The Mental Toll of School (1:19:11) As adults, we've done a lot of growing this year. And so have our kids! Especially concerning school, our kids have experienced a great deal of change and extra stress. And similar to how us adults need exercise, meditation and time to bake our banana bread in order to get through the difficulties, our kids also need coping mechanisms. So to help us know exactly how we can help our kids cope with the mental and emotional toll this school year is having on them, we've invited Bethanie Monsen-Ford, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, on the show today. To learn more about the resources that she mentioned, you can visit NAMI, Sesame Street Toolkits for Parents and Caregivers, and NASP.

For nearly four and a half decades, Sonia Manzano was Maria -- a recurring female lead on the PBS television series "Sesame Street."Last year, Manzano retired from the show and published a memoir. It's called Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scholastic Reads recently celebrated its first anniversary, and we wanted to mark the occasion by sharing some of our favorite moments from the last year! In this short episode, we'll hear clips from Lauren Tarshis (I Survived series), Sonia Manzano (Becoming Maria), Edwidge Danticat (Untwine), Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants series), Ann M. Martin (The Baby-sitters Club series), Arthur A. Levine (publisher and editor), David Levithan (author and editor), Cheryl Klein (editor), and Pam Muñoz Ryan (Esperanza Rising). Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes or visit scholasticreads.com to listen to all of our episodes! Links to the full episodes for each clip are below. Lauren Tarshis: Episode #19, "Stories of Survival with Lauren Tarshis" Sonia Manzano: Episode #8, "Sonia Manzano: Shaping a Life Story" Edwidge Danticat: Episode #18, "Edwidge Danticat: Beating the Darkness" Dav Pilkey: Episode #29, "Dav Pilkey: Using Humor to Get Kids Reading" Ann M. Martin: Episode #20, "The Baby-sitters Club Turns 30" Arthur A. Levine: Episode #16, "We Have Diverse Books" David Levithan: Episode #17, "Drag Teen with Jeffery Self" Cheryl Klein: Episode #1, "The Magic of Harry Potter" Pam Muñoz Ryan: Episode #27, "Pam Muñoz Ryan: Getting Readers to Turn the Page" Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson Produced by Emily Morrow

For nearly four and a half decades, Sonia Manzano was Maria -- a recurring female lead on the PBS television series "Sesame Street."Last year, Manzano retired from the show and published a memoir. It's called Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're sweepin' the clouds away and chatting with the amazing and lovely (and amazingly lovely) Sonia Manzano. You probably know her best as Maria from Sesame Street, where she was one of the most recognizable faces on the show for more than 40 years. What you might not know, though, is that she's also an accomplished writer. In addition to playing Maria, she was also a writer on Sesame Street and won an astonishing 15 Emmys for your work. On this episode, we chat about how she got her start in acting, her early career on stage and moving to Sesame Street, her audition for the show (hint: which one of these things is not like the others?), making the jump to writing, how writing and acting each satisfy her creative impulses, and the future of childhood literacy.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR LUTE CRATE Sorry Hal Lublin, we finally pronounced your name right. Sorry to anyone we talk to on Twitter! This week we rave about Ask Me Another, Sonia Manzano, Opheria Eisenberg, Sesame Street, Malcolm Gladwell, Revisionist History, The Longest Shortest Time, 2 Dope Queens, Matteo Lane, The Last Podcast on the Left, Awesome Etiquette, and What's the Tee? with RuPaul and Michelle Visage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maria Dominguez, executive editor at Scholastic en Español, and Nancy Mercado, editorial director of Scholastic Press, share their experiences reading and editing Spanish-language or Latino-culture-driven children's books in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. They discuss the books they love and recommend, from Sonia Manzano's Becoming Maria to Christina Diaz Gonzalez's Moving Target. Maria also highlights her own experience growing up in Cuba, while Nancy talks about the importance of reading Spanish-language books to her daughters. Guests: Maria Dominguez, executive editor, Scholastic en Español Nancy Mercado, editorial director, Scholastic Press Additional resources: Books discussed in this episode include: Esperanza Rising, The Dreamer, and Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan Moving Target and Return Fire (Moving Target #2) by Cristina Diaz Gonzalez Princesa Rosada y el Reino de Mentirita by Noah Z. Jones Allie, First at Last and Gabby, Lost and Found by Angela Cervantes Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx (or Ser María: Amor y caos en el Bronx) by Sonia Manzano The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet by Carmen Agra Deedy (coming next year) Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mix and editing by Daniel Jordan and Christopher Johnson Produced by Morgan Baden

Longtime Sesame Street actor Sonia Manzano and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor talk about leaving their childhood homes in the Bronx, facing their insecurities, and coming to understand the power of the written word.  This episode is part of our Great Guest Takeover series! Look out for more episodes guest-hosted by former Death, Sex & Money guests, including Ellen Burstyn and Chris Gethard, later this month. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Follow the show on Twitter @deathsexmoney and Facebook at facebook.com/deathsexmoney. Sign up for the Death, Sex & Money newsletter at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. Email us at deathsexmoney@wnyc.org.

Four former Death, Sex & Money guests—Ellen Burstyn, Chris Gethard, Sonia Manzano and Diane Gill Morris—take over the host chair and help us wrap up Anna's maternity leave. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now. Follow the show on Twitter @deathsexmoney and Facebook at facebook.com/deathsexmoney. Sign up for the Death, Sex & Money newsletter at deathsexmoney.org/newsletter. Email us at deathsexmoney@wnyc.org.

Author and actress Sonia Manzano, along with editor Andrea Davis Pinkney, discuss the making of Sonia's coming-of-age memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx. Sonia joined the cast of the acclaimed television series Sesame Street in 1971, where she defined the role of "Maria" and went on to write for the show, retiring in 2015 after 44 years. Sonia has won 15 Emmy Awards for her television writing and is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Arts and Sciences.   Guests: Sonia Manzano, actress (Sesame Street) and writer (The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx) Andrea Davis Pinkney, VP and Executive Editor, Scholastic Trade Publishing Special thanks: Music composed by Lucas Elliot Eberl Sound mixing and editing by Daniel Jordan Produced by Megan Kaesshaefer

For 44 years, Sonia Manzano explained letters, numbers, and life to kids on Sesame Street. But her own childhood left her with a lot of questions that lingered into adulthood. Support Death, Sex & Money by becoming a monthly sustaining member. Sign up now.